Human Rights OSCE participating States have undertaken extensive commitments to ensure effective mechanisms for the protection of human rights. Yet, in 2013 there remained serious gaps in a number of states in meeting their obligations to respect, protect and fulfil human rights. Human rights defenders continue to be the targets of attacks, threats and intimidation in certain states, in some cases accompanied by undue legal restrictions and legal harassment hindering their activities. Whistleblowers disclosing information on human rights violations were not afforded protection and risked prosecution. Fundamental freedoms like that of peaceful assembly continued to be limited in many countries by undue legal restrictions and excessive use of police force. Limited external oversight resulted in gaps in human rights protection for those serving in the security sectors of many states. A worrying trend of increasingly invasive state surveillance emerged, while challenges persisted in ensuring full human rights protection in the fight against terrorism. Efforts to ensure accountability for violations committed by state actors in the fight against terrorism remained insufficient. ODIHR assists participating States in the implementation of their human dimension commitments through its monitoring efforts, capacity-building activities and development of practical tools and resources. ODIHR’s human rights programmes have addressed key issues and developments in participating States, reacting to requests and providing tailored assistance to best fit the expressed needs. In doing this, ODIHR has engaged extensively with governmental authorities, national human rights institutions and civil society alike. ODIHR Annual Report 2013  /   41