Chapter 12 — Advocacy Strategies the implementing authorities. The relevant authorities may be hesitant or reluctant to accept and implement recommendations from external sources, especially when surprised by or uninformed about the process. Advance consultation may alleviate this risk, and may also yield ideas for inclusion in the recommendations. What’s more, consultations will also be useful for testing how realistic and feasible recommendations are.175 Recommendations, like conclusions, should relate to the findings of monitoring, in order to be perceived as relevant and not arbitrary. Drafters of recommendations should attempt not to be overly prescriptive, unless this is demanded by particularly egregious practices. For example, while a recommendation might use strong language to insist on putting an end to the degrading treatment of persons in detention, recommendations on less grievous issues might ask that authorities “consider” specific procedural steps or specific new language in a law as a means of remedying an identified problem. Additional suggestions to be considered while drafting recommendations include: • Recommendations should be specific. The proposed course of action should be clearly identified, both so that there is no misunderstanding with authorities and so that programmes can measure the impact and results of the recommendation over time. If there is a recommendation to amend a rule or law, the provision that is problematic should be identified. Suggested language for the amendment can also be included. Similarly, if recommendations propose training, resource allocation or other actions, they need to clearly articulate what is required and, if possible, they should also prioritize recommended activities for the implementation in the short, medium and long term. • Recommendations should be addressed to a particular actor, based on the legal competency of the actor and the relevant institution. For example, a proposal to amend a law might be addressed to the parliament or the government, while the need to change a courtroom practice might be addressed to judges. ÀÀ Annexes If certain information is valuable for illustrating the nature and extent of problems that require documentation, but is too voluminous for the body of the report, this information can be provided in annexes. Annexes may be used, for example, for texts of indictments or verdicts, summaries of specific proceedings or interviews, charts and graphs, applicable legal provisions or international standards and other information, in support of the arguments in the report or for educational purposes. 12.2.6 Good practices for getting reports done on time Writing reports can be a time-intensive, detail-oriented and labour-intensive activity. Before drafting even begins, the process often entails the synthesis of hundreds of field reports, assessment of information, and preparation of an analytical framework and outline. Once drafting begins, it is not unusual for limitations in information or methodology to become apparent, requiring additional data and analysis or other changes to be made. After a final draft is completed, the process then requires the review, feedback and approval of many individuals. The experience of OSCE programmes is that publication of a comprehensive report may take from three to six months, or even more, from the point the drafting process begins. Certain strategies can be employed to help avoid unnecessary delays and pre-empt problems that complicate the process of report writing. The following recommendations, some of which should be 175  See also, Chapter 12.2.8 on Consultation prior to issuing reports. 117