Meeting on the role of ombuds institutions in protecting human rights of armed forces personnel

This meeting will examine how ombuds institutions can protect human rights in the armed forces through exercising independent oversight and handling complaints, and look into considerations for establishing independent ombuds offices for the armed forces.

OSCE participating States have made several commitments to ensure the protection and enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms of armed forces personnel. These find their fullest expression in the OSCE Code of Conduct on Politico-Military Aspects of Security (Budapest 1994). Through the Annual Exchange on the Code of Conduct on Politico-Military Aspects of Security a number of participating States also report on the role and functions of ombuds institutions in the military sector. This meeting will allow for a more in-depth discussion on the subject matter.

This is the second event in a series to discuss human rights issues with members of the FSC. The first event focused on armed forces and women’s access to combat positions and took place in Vienna on 19 April 2013.

Please note that the target audience of this event is the OSCE participating States’ representatives to the Forum for Security Co-operation (FSC).