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
International recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia justice minister Nika Gvaramia claimed that “this will have very serious political consequences for Russia." "We will overcome this crisis, I am sure; but what is Russia going to do with its own state – in respect of separatism, which is still a problem in Russia; I'm not worried much about it, but I am sure that it will lead to a total collapse of Russia if not today, tomorrow, for sure," he told journalists. Following the Russian recognition of South Ossetia, Swedish Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt stated, "South Ossetian independence is a joke. We are talking about