OSCE/ODIHR launches handbook on dealing with human rights complaints
(OSCE)A radio talkshow on freedom of religion kicks off a series of
programmes aimed at raising human rights awareness in Georgia
with the support of the OSCE/ODIHR, June 2002. (OSCE) Photo details
WARSAW, 15 October 2003 - The OSCE's Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), one of Europe's leading human rights institutions, has released a handbook for OSCE field personnel dealing with human rights complaints.
"The human being is at the heart of the OSCE's comprehensive security concept. Yet, it is not always clear how to deal with individuals who approach field missions," said Ambassador Christian Strohal, the ODIHR Director.
"This handbook is designed to enable mission personnel to identify and prioritize which cases it is appropriate for OSCE missions to get involved with, but also when to refer cases to competent national bodies and other organizations."
The handbook was developed at the request of, and in close co-operation with, OSCE field missions.
It deals with practical issues such as interviewing, prioritizing and reporting. It also explains the OSCE system and OSCE human rights commitments, the different political instruments at the organization's disposal and the role of OSCE institutions. It may therefore also be of interest to NGOs and others who are interested in OSCE activities.
Ambassador Strohal recalled that in addition to the need to assist individuals, the overall analysis of individual human rights complaints can help identify weaknesses in national human rights protection systems. "Addressing human rights violations is a crucial element for promoting human security throughout the OSCE region. Enhancing the capacity to address those violations is an important part of it."
The handbook will be complemented with a series of hands-on training programmes for field personnel provided by the ODIHR.
To obtain a copy of the handbook, please go to: www.osce.org/odihr/documents/requests
"The human being is at the heart of the OSCE's comprehensive security concept. Yet, it is not always clear how to deal with individuals who approach field missions," said Ambassador Christian Strohal, the ODIHR Director.
"This handbook is designed to enable mission personnel to identify and prioritize which cases it is appropriate for OSCE missions to get involved with, but also when to refer cases to competent national bodies and other organizations."
The handbook was developed at the request of, and in close co-operation with, OSCE field missions.
It deals with practical issues such as interviewing, prioritizing and reporting. It also explains the OSCE system and OSCE human rights commitments, the different political instruments at the organization's disposal and the role of OSCE institutions. It may therefore also be of interest to NGOs and others who are interested in OSCE activities.
Ambassador Strohal recalled that in addition to the need to assist individuals, the overall analysis of individual human rights complaints can help identify weaknesses in national human rights protection systems. "Addressing human rights violations is a crucial element for promoting human security throughout the OSCE region. Enhancing the capacity to address those violations is an important part of it."
The handbook will be complemented with a series of hands-on training programmes for field personnel provided by the ODIHR.
To obtain a copy of the handbook, please go to: www.osce.org/odihr/documents/requests