launched at the 2009 Human Dimension Implementation Meeting (HDIM). The guidelines provide a sound basis for ODIHR and OSCE field operations to assist practitioners, relevant authorities and political decision makers in assessing the efficiency of their national population-registration systems and, when necessary, reforming them. As a first step in the implementation of the guidelines, a regional seminar was held in Almaty in December on reforms to population-registration systems. The seminar focused on the types of reforms necessary for population-registration systems to meet OSCE commitments, especially those on freedom of movement. It also discussed ways in which population registers can be used to compile accurate voter lists. The seminar highlighted interest in the exchange of practices between participating States on experiences of population-registration reform. Using Population Registers to Create Accurate Voter Lists As mentioned above, maintaining up-to-date population registers can be an effective way to create accurate voter lists. In addition, population registers make it possible to cross-check information in order to limit the possibility of multiple entries in voter lists. ODIHR provided assistance to the OSCE Project Coordinator in Ukraine as part of a long-term programme aimed at establishing a central voter register on the basis of the information contained in the existing population-registration system. ODIHR conducted an assessment and produced a report indicating the steps to be taken in order to further increase the accuracy of voter lists in Ukraine, highlighting the need for further modernization of the population-registration system. Building on the recommendations in the report, ODIHR and the Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine will offer the authorities assistance in developing policies for reforms of segments of population registration, such as registration of place of residence, given that this is the main source of data for the state register of voters. In an attempt to raise awareness of the long-term risks of non-integration, ODIHR began work in 2009 on a new programme to identify good practices and match them to identified needs. ODIHR has developed its expertise in this sector, and has compiled an extensive overview of international recommendations, commitments and policies with respect to the civic participation of migrants, as well as a list of indicators that can be used to measure civic participation. Labour Migration Gender-Sensitive Migration Policies Among labour migrants, women make up a large portion of those in unskilled or undeclared work. The introduction of efficient, gender-sensitive labour policies can help ensure that the rights of women migrants are protected. In 2009, ODIHR and the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities developed a training manual on gender and labour migration. Aimed primarily at government officials, and employers and workers associations, the manual provides much-needed information on practical steps that can be taken to make gender issues an important part of existing migration policies. 29 Labour Migration in Kazakhstan Since labour migration to Kazakhstan is a relatively recent phenomenon, accurate data are limited. Last year, ODIHR and UNESCO published a report on a research project begun in 2006 at the request of the Kazakh authorities. The report makes a number of practical recommendations aimed at improving Kazakhstan’s migration policy from the point of view of both maximizing the economic benefits that can be gained from migrant labour and protecting the rights of migrant workers who come to Kazakhstan. Participation of Migrants in Public Affairs Recent increases in migration flows are leading to significant changes in demographics. If migrant groups do not integrate into their host societies, it is likely that they will become isolated, possibly resulting in social tension and even conflict. One of the keys to the integration of migrants is to provide opportunities for them to play a larger role in public life. The OSCE has long recognized this. In fact, OSCE commitments call on participating States to create the conditions necessary for migrants to integrate into their host societies. ODIHR Annual Report 2009 Democratization