Chapter 1 How to Use This Handbook This handbook is divided into six sections, each of which comprises several chapters. The handbook can be used in different ways depending on what each reader hopes to gain from it. Reading the handbook in its entirety will naturally provide the most comprehensive understanding of the human rights (including their implementation) of members of the armed forces. Readers may, however, opt to focus only on those sections and chapters that are of particular interest to them. Readers interested in policy-oriented practices and recommendations are advised to focus on the best-practices boxes and the recommendations featured in each chapter. Throughout the handbook, readers will find boxes containing facts and figures that clarify or illustrate complex issues described in the main text by providing examples of policies, laws, and procedures of OSCE participating States or relevant information from international organizations such as the OSCE itself, the Council of Europe, the United Nations, and the European Union. Furthermore, most chapters include a section entitled “Best Practices and Recommendations”, where information about how to improve respect for human rights in the barracks may be found. Section I maps out the scope of the handbook and explains the relevance of human rights of members of the armed forces. The major questions addressed in this section are: • What is the relevance of respect for human rights in the armed forces? • What does the “citizen in uniform” concept mean and how can it contribute to integration of human rights in military structures? • How was information on this topic collected and analysed before subsequently being presented in the handbook? Section II sets out the regulatory framework, norms, and standards for human rights in the armed forces. It provides the national and international legal context for the exercise of human rights by members of the armed forces. The main questions addressed in this section are: • What are the relevant OSCE commitments? What is the relevance of the OSCE Code of Conduct on Politico-Military Aspects of Security? • Where can we find international norms and standards for human rights in the armed forces? Which are the relevant international human rights treaties? What safeguards exist at the international level? • Why is it necessary to enact national laws dealing with human rights of armed forces? Which human rights of armed forces are normally codified by a constitution? Which issues should be included in national legislation? • What are permissible grounds for restricting the exercise of human rights by armed forces personnel? Which human rights cannot be restricted? • How can parliaments contribute to ensuring respect for human rights in the barracks? Section III deals with the civil and political rights of armed forces personnel. Political rights, in particular, refer to those rights that allow people to participate in public affairs. Major questions addressed in this section are: • What are the relevant international treaties and instruments that proclaim and guarantee the full enjoyment of civil and political rights? 14 Handbook on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms of Armed Forces Personnel