Members of the ODIHR Core Group of Experts for drafting the Guidelines on Legislation Pertaining to Political Parties meeting in London on April 9. (OSCE/Marta Achler) 18 55 Legislation on political parties (ODIHR guidelines on legislation pertaining to political parties were drafted in 2009 and will be finalized in 2010); 55 Election complaints and appeals (work began in late 2009 on developing rule of law programmes to support the resolution of election disputes — these programmes will be rolled out in 2010); and 55 Women’s representation (a revamped programme, which builds on ODIHR’s experience in Central Asia and the South Caucasus, has been developed and implementation is underway). Within the wider OSCE framework, ODIHR acts as a repository of information, including good practices and lessons learned, in a variety of subject areas and facilitates the exchange of information and expertise across the OSCE. ODIHR is committed to working closely with OSCE field operations, either in the joint implementation of activities or by providing guidance and access to expertise. ODIHR also serves as an inter-mission forum for communication on methodological issues and specific issues, such as voter/civil registration, local democracy and the rule of law. Beyond the organizational framework, ODIHR also partners with national institutions and individual experts to ensure that OSCE participating States in need of assistance have access to the best minds and materials available. Democratization Main Issues Rule of Law and the Administration of Justice This broad area covers a number of issues. For example, individuals who deal with the justice system often face situations in which their human rights — their right to a fair trial, in particular — are ignored. Moreover, there are cases where people have no access to effective legal remedies when their rights are breached. To ensure that legislation works in practice and that the rights of all individuals are respected, public authorities must be held to greater account. Legal Reform OSCE participating States may undertake legal reform for any number of reasons, including in an effort to ensure that their legislation is in line with OSCE commitments and other international human rights standards or in response to domestic or international challenges. With respect to the OSCE’s human dimension, this could include legislation aimed at facilitating labour migration or preventing trafficking in human beings. Whatever the subject matter, lawmakers need access to international experience, including legal opinions and commentaries on the degree to which draft legislation complies with OSCE commitments and other international standards. ODIHR Annual Report 2009