ODIHR holds meeting in Georgia on rights of armed forces personnel, presents new handbook
TBILISI, 16 June 2008 - Protecting the rights of armed forces personnel is the focus of a meeting, organized by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and the Mission to Georgia, in Tbilisi today.
Representatives from the government, military, civil society and the international community will take part in the event and discuss a new ODIHR handbook on human rights of armed forces personnel.
"The government and civil society in Georgia have shown great interest in working towards improving respect for the human rights of soldiers and other members of the armed forces, and much work has already been done in this respect," said Kirsten Mlacak, the head of the ODIHR's human rights department.
"Respect for the human rights of armed forces personnel is crucial in creating a professional culture within the military that includes human rights as part of a commitment to democratic values. When this is achieved, the armed forces are not just defenders of a state's territorial integrity, they also defend and embody its values."
The handbook, developed together with the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of the Armed Forces, stresses that respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms of armed forces personnel is not just a moral obligation. It is part of international human rights law, and states are obliged to respect and protect the rights of personnel serving in their armed forces. Whether professional or conscripted, they are entitled to the same rights and protection as all other persons, although certain restrictions to these rights may be imposed by military life. In addition, experience shows that respect for human rights of armed forces personnel increases their effectiveness.
Participants will discuss the practical recommendations contained in the handbook and identify further measures that can be taken to improve the system for the protection of human rights of armed forces personnel in Georgia. Other topics cover civil and political rights, the proper treatment of armed forces personnel, participation of women and minorities, military justice, and veteran's rights.
The event is the first in a series of meetings throughout the OSCE region on this topic.