Human Rights assess the human rights and minorities situation in war-affected areas following the August conflict between Georgia and the Russian Federation. A Human Rights Assessment Mission (HRAM) from ODIHR and the HCNM was in the field for most of the period from 11 October to 10 November 2008 to carry out this assignment. The HRAM report, produced in November, aimed at providing a compendium of information from personal accounts and other sources demonstrating patterns of human rights violations in the war-affected areas. Based on this information, ODIHR formulated a list of recommendations to various actors highlighting the need for parties to the conflict to meet their OSCE and other human rights commitments and obligations to restore freedom of movement and create conditions for the voluntary return of displaced persons in safety and dignity; to provide adequately for the needs of the displaced until they can return; to investigate human rights violations that occurred during the conflict and its aftermath; to hold accountable the individuals responsible for human rights violations; and to begin a process of promoting reconciliation and confidence-building. The report was distributed to all participating States ahead of the Ministerial Council in December, and was subsequently released to the public. Annual Report 2008 45