My career in the United Nations began in Haiti in 2005. Working in peace operations is particularly motivating as you can see every day why you are serving in the field; people need our support and expertise and the United Nations is the vehicle by which we can assist in a global and impartial way.

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) is working hard to stabilise the country after decades of conflict. It is a time of rapid change in frequently challenging circumstances.  Daily mission life moves along at a dynamic and invigorating pace, which can be both an exhausting and incredibly motivating experience.

We are implementing the Rule of Law Global Focal Point arrangement (GFP), which is an innovative measure that brings the United Nations family together in Policing, Justice and Corrections to make support to countries more efficient and effective.  It has been rewarding to have been part of the lead team which has made integrating the United Nations family possible, comprising nine components under the GFP, and progressing with our national and international partners, the Somalia Joint Rule of Law Programme, to endorsement at the highest levels in Somalia.  Delivering support for basic rule of law institutions services in the justice chain to the Somali people who are emerging from decades of conflict is central to this Programme.

Before joining the Organization, I had benefited from mission experience in Bosnia and Herzegovina. My subsequent exposure to peace operations in Timor-Leste and Haiti enabled me to contribute at different stages of rule of law reform. Rule of law is fundamental to the security and stabilisation of a state and when this is absent, its importance can be keenly felt.  In Timor-Leste, the rule of law situation was steadily improving as the fledgling nation transitioned from peacekeeping to a development context.  Longer term achievements, such as a functioning Prosecutor General's office and Corrections service, were a crucial and evident part of these changes. 

Another achievement that I am particularly proud of was my work on the promulgation and implementation of the Law Against Domestic Violence, that had begun to make a positive and tangible difference in people's daily lives.

My experience as a criminal law prosecutor in my home country of Canada, and as a human rights advocate, particularly for the rights of women, has made it possible to contribute to the goals of the United Nations and build a rewarding career at the international level.