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 travelled to South Ossetia on 21 July 2009, where they attended the opening of two rural police stations, and attended the signing of an interagency agreement between the two countries prosecutorial agencies. On 7 August 2009, Dmitry Medvedev in an interview for the documentary "In August 2008..." stated that Russia would continue to develop bilateral ties with South Ossetia "regardless of whether somebody likes it or not." The Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance which was signed in September 2008 came into force on 20 January 2009, and stipulates a Russian guarantee of military intervention in case South Ossetia