Compendium of Standards, Good Practices and Recommendations and inclusion of certain subgroups should be removed, and discriminatory practices based on tradition should be revisited to avoid the dominance of any specific group. Increased diversity and equality will also help tackle situations of abuse, brutality, bullying, harassment, violence, ill-treatment, torture and other unlawful practices, which have serious consequences. In some cases unlawful practices are institutionalized as part of a wider pernicious military culture which can go as far as accepting impunity for perpetrators and disrespect for the dignity of human beings. Therefore, it is essential that armed forces also develop effective mechanisms to prevent impunity and support a culture of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, for instance through education, command responsibility, military justice and authoritative ombuds institutions. As the world’s largest regional security organization the OSCE is uniquely placed to provide a forum in which the above-mentioned issues can be discussed. While acknowledging that each country is unique and every military different, the OSCE’s comprehensive approach to security, as well as the Organization’s commitment to the protection and promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms can help to effectively tackle these challenges. DCAF, the Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance, is an ideal partner to team up with the OSCE in this effort. DCAF believes that a democratically run, accountable and efficient security sector is fundamental to people’s livelihoods, to reducing poverty and the risk of conflict, and to creating an enabling environment for sustainable peace and development. DCAF contributes to improved human and national security within a framework of democratic governance, the rule of law and respect for human rights, by supporting organizations like the OSCE and its participating States, and by developing and sharing norms, standards and good practices. This Compendium presents an overview of legislation, policies, and mechanisms for ensuring the protection and enforcement of the human rights and fundamental freedoms of armed forces personnel. It includes many examples and good practices from across the OSCE region that have proven successful. It also contains recommendations which can help participating States ensure that their policies and practices are in full compliance with international human rights standards and OSCE human dimension commitments. The Compendium is aimed at all individuals who play a role in promoting, protecting, and enforcing the human rights of armed forces personnel, such as parliamentarians, government officials, policy makers, judges, professional military associations, non-governmental organizations, and armed forces personnel themselves. We hope that this publication will encourage all interested parties to take the necessary measures to ensure that all servicemen and -women are able to enjoy their human rights and fundamental freedoms. Matteo Mecacci Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) Ambassador Thomas Guerber Director, DCAF, Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance 17