Democratization S trengthening democratic institutions and processes is a key objective of most, if not all, ODIHR activities. Parliaments and institutions such as central election commissions and ombudsmen are fundamental both as recipients of technical assistance or expertise and as partners in implementing activities in support of human dimension commitments. ODIHR works in the same way with government structures, such as interior and justice ministries, and with a range of institutions tasked by the participating States with specific issues relating to the human dimension, such as the authorities responsible for civil registration on issues relating to the freedom of movement. ODIHR has developed democratization assistance that focuses on longer-term programmes rather than short-term projects. It is based on an identification methodology that includes a needs assessment prior to undertaking activities. This ensures that the best use is made of the Organization’s financial, human, and time resources. Main Issues kk Upholding the rule of law: OSCE commitments in the human dimension emphasize the importance of the rule of law for democratic development. Democracy needs the rule of law to ensure proper functioning of its institutions and procedures – most notably free and fair elections. On the other hand, the rule of law needs democracy to ensure legitimacy of laws and avoid situations where the law is turned into an instrument of oppression. To ensure obedience of, and equality before, the law, governments should lead by example. Their failure to do so erodes the legal order and undermines public trust in the government, the law, and justice. kk Democratic culture: More than a decade of OSCE work in the area of democracy-building has underlined that democracy is more than institutions and laws. A true, functioning democracy also requires the compatibility of norms, rules, and traditions of a given society with a culture of seeking the common good through deliberation. It is only through such a culture of democratic processes that institutions will be able to function democratically both internally and in relation to one another. kk Promotion of gender equality and women’s participation in democratic processes: Lack of awareness of the importance of promoting gender equality on the part of the general public and among state structures is a primary barrier to promoting gender equality in the policy-making process. In many OSCE participating States, traditional patriarchal attitudes and behaviours prevail, while the general public does not consider these practices as discriminatory. This has a negative impact on the status of women, as well as on the choices and opportunities available to them, limiting their participation in, and contribution to, democratization processes. Throughout the OSCE area, women tend to be underrepresented in all branches of government, as well as in political parties. kk Right to freedom of movement and free choice of place of residence: Since the collapse of the Soviet Union and the subsequent changes in the political and economic situation, there has been a noticeable increase in migration in a number of countries in the region. This has been further amplified through full freedom of movement within the European Union, as well as through global migratory pressures. As people move, state institutions need information on their places of residence to ensure, for example, their rights to social and medical services, Annual Report 2007 21