Human rights in South Ossetia Human rights in South Ossetia South Ossetia is an autonomous region located in Georgia, approximately 1000 metres above sea level and on the slopes of the Greater Caucasus mountains. Although declaring independence in 2008, this independence is not internationally recognised with only a few countries acknowledging it, such as Russia. The region is inhabited by Ossetians, caucasian peoples speaking a language similar to Iranian. According to Russia, Nicaragua, Venezuela, and the micro states of Tuvalu and Nauru, it is one of the world's newest independent states. According to all other states and international organisations, South Ossetia is an autonomous region
Russia–South Ossetia relations on the night of 7 to 8 August 2008, the Georgian military launched an offensive on Tskhinval, the South Ossetian capital. The leader of Georgian peacekeepers in South Ossetia said the purpose was to "restore constitutional order" in the region. The majority of the inhabitants of South Ossetia hold Russian citizenship, and Russia citing Chapter VII Article 51 of the United Nations Charter sent troops into South Ossetia through the Roki Tunnel in the morning of 8 August. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, in noting the deaths of Russian peacekeepers and South Ossetian civilians, stated: "In accordance with the Constitution and