Georgia: Commissioner Hammarberg to gauge the implementation of the six human rights and humanitarian principles

The Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Thomas Hammarberg, will carry out a follow-up mission to the areas affected by the South Ossetia conflict, from 25 to 28 September.

“The aim of my visit is to assess the implementation of the six principles for urgent protection of human rights and humanitarian security which I proposed in my report after the previous visit to the region on 22-29 August” said the Commissioner. "These principles have been endorsed at the international level and accepted by all relevant actors involved in the conflict. It is fundamental that concrete measures are now taken to ensure their effective implementation”.

The six human rights and humanitarian principles cover the right to return of the displaced persons; the provision of adequate aid and living conditions for the displaced until their return home; demining efforts in the war affected areas; addressing urgently the law and order vacuum as well as personal insecurity in the ‘buffer zone’; humanitarian exchanges of  prisoners of war, other detainees and stranded persons as well as ensuring international presence and assistance in the affected areas to address human rights and humanitarian issues.

During the visit the Commissioner will meet with displaced persons and hold talks with Government officials, responsible authorities and Ombudsmen in Tbilisi, Gori, the ‘buffer zone’ and Tskhinvali. He will report orally to the next session of the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly in Strasbourg.