Maan selman
Functional Title:
Human Rights Officer - Advisor Anti-Racial Discrimination for Africans and People of African Descent
Institution:
OHCHR – Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
Email Address:
maan.selman@un.org
Phone Number:
+9613286765
Bio
I am an experienced Criminal Investigator, having worked as a Detective for 20 year for the Canadian Police in major crimes such as organized crime and homicide, and for the United Nations fact finding missions in Lebanon and Yemen, as well for the UN Independent Investigation Commission (UNIIIC), the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, the Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS). I have extensive experience conducting and leading investigations into terrorist attacks, human rights violations, administrative investigations, and sexual abuse and exploitation.
Currently I am working as the advisor for Anti-Racial Discrimination for ROMENA's office based in Beirut
Accomplishment Highlights:
• Experienced and effective Criminal & Administrative Investigator: following a successful career with the Sûreté du Québec, transitioned to the UN as an Investigator in 2005 conducting investigations over two missions in Beirut, Lebanon and a six-month secondment to investigate war crimes and human rights violations in Yemen, additionally as the Regional Investigation Specialist for NRC in Senegal.
• Linguistic strength; speak fluent Arabic, French, and English; basic Italian & Spanish. Recognized by mission leadership as an asset to the team, often called upon to rapidly translate documents and provide cultural context to assist in understanding and responding to urgent issues and requests.
• An effective interviewer with a unique ability to assure witnesses/victims of their security and of the confidentiality of information they provided; achieving agreement from over 90% (27 of 29) of witnesses to testify. While at the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, drafted and implemented an SOP outlining this approach within the team, effectively eliminating witness concerns over safety and security.
• Easily engage and build rapport with law enforcement, government officials, court personnel, community leaders, and operational/administrative staff.
I am an experienced Criminal Investigator, having worked as a Detective for 20 year for the Canadian Police in major crimes such as organized crime and homicide, and for the United Nations fact finding missions in Lebanon and Yemen, as well for the UN Independent Investigation Commission (UNIIIC), the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, the Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS). I have extensive experience conducting and leading investigations into terrorist attacks, human rights violations, administrative investigations, and sexual abuse and exploitation.
Currently I am working as the advisor for Anti-Racial Discrimination for ROMENA's office based in Beirut
Accomplishment Highlights:
• Experienced and effective Criminal & Administrative Investigator: following a successful career with the Sûreté du Québec, transitioned to the UN as an Investigator in 2005 conducting investigations over two missions in Beirut, Lebanon and a six-month secondment to investigate war crimes and human rights violations in Yemen, additionally as the Regional Investigation Specialist for NRC in Senegal.
• Linguistic strength; speak fluent Arabic, French, and English; basic Italian & Spanish. Recognized by mission leadership as an asset to the team, often called upon to rapidly translate documents and provide cultural context to assist in understanding and responding to urgent issues and requests.
• An effective interviewer with a unique ability to assure witnesses/victims of their security and of the confidentiality of information they provided; achieving agreement from over 90% (27 of 29) of witnesses to testify. While at the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, drafted and implemented an SOP outlining this approach within the team, effectively eliminating witness concerns over safety and security.
• Easily engage and build rapport with law enforcement, government officials, court personnel, community leaders, and operational/administrative staff.
Governance and Institutional
Years of experience 15+ Years
SDGs Expertise:
Countries of Expertise:
- Capacity building
- Communication
- Project management
- Team management
| Degree Title | University | Graduation Date |
|---|---|---|
| Masters in International Criminal Justice | Portsmouth | 2022-01-30 |
| Title | Completion Date |
|---|---|
| Polygraph Examiner | 2013-12-20 |
