OSCE launches handbook on protecting human rights of armed forces personnel

VIENNA, 26 May 2008 - The OSCE's Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) will launch a handbook aimed at improving the protection of human rights of soldiers and other armed forces personnel on Wednesday in Vienna. 

The handbook has been published jointly with the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF).

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. The handbook aims to support parliamentarians, government officials, military personnel, judges, professional military associations and non-governmental organizations in promoting, protecting, and enforcing the human rights of armed forces personnel.

Speakers at the Vienna launch will include ODIHR Director Ambassador Christian Strohal, the Ombudsman for the Irish Defence Forces, Paulyn Marrinan Quinn, the Director of the Georgian Association Justice and Liberty, Irakli Sesiashvili, and German Armed Forces Command and Staff College member, Brig. Gen. Karl H. Schreiner.

Journalists are invited to attend the launch at 13:00 on Wednesday, 28 May, in Segmentgalerie I in the Hofburg Congress Centre.

For admittance to the Hofburg Congress Centre, please bring your OSCE badge or a valid press card to the security desk (main entrance from the Heldenplatz). Parking space is available for the press during the event in the OSCE-reserved parking area on Heldenplatz. Temporary parking permits must be collected from the security desk.