Human Rights purpose of the training was to provide a practical insight into the major issues relating to human rights in counter-terrorism through the use of scenarios/cases that support an interactive approach. It is hoped that these pilot courses will provide the basis for developing an extensive and practical training programme across the OSCE region in 2006. Work on the rights of victims of terrorism in 2005 concentrated on research on national legislation in order to be included in the Legislationline (www.legislationline.org) database, and on preparations for an expert-level meeting to develop best practices scheduled for 2006. The Supplementary Human Dimension Meeting on Human Rights and the Fight against Terrorism, held in Vienna in July, put human rights and counter-terrorism firmly on the OSCE agenda with a two-day meeting to discuss issues arising in relation to protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms in the fight against terrorism, in particular, the prohibition on torture, the right to freedom of religion, and the role of civil society in the fight against terrorism. These topics were dealt with in a lively debate, highlighting the fact that these issues are relevant and problematic right across the OSCE region. A number of substantive background papers were prepared that dealt with key issues such as extradition, the right to life, and diplomatic assurances within the context of counter-terrorism, casting light on the problems and seeking ways to advance the debates. The ODIHR has been working in co-operation with other parts of the OSCE involved in counter-terrorism to ensure that the OSCE approach is truly multi-dimensional. To this end, the ODIHR and the Representative on Freedom of the Media produced a joint paper for a seminar organized by the OSCE’s Action against Terrorism Unit (ATU) on combating the use of the Internet for terrorist purposes (Vienna, 13-14 October). The ODIHR also provided expertise in presentations at events organized by the ATU and the Office of the Co-ordinator of Economic and Environmental Activities. ANNUAL REPORT 2005 III. Human rights training and education Education and training in the field of human rights encourage respect for the dignity of all human beings. Training activities increase knowledge, strengthen values, promote solidarity, change attitudes, encourage critical thinking, and develop skills that contribute to respect for, and protection of, human rights. While education and training on human rights issues constitute an element of a broad variety of ODIHR activities, the Office, in 2005, also focused on two specific areas: strengthening the ability of civil society to monitor human rights; and providing training in human dimension issues to OSCE staff. Supporting civil society The ODIHR considers civil society to be a partner on an equal footing with governments; however, the former often lacks the capacity to perform one of its main functions effectively: namely, to serve as a watchdog, and interlocutor, with respect to government actions. Therefore, the ODIHR provides training for organizations monitoring the human rights situation in their own countries. With the necessary skills and right approach, these organizations can conduct an objective and professional assessment of the human rights situation, thus providing an informed basis for change, where needed. Throughout 2005, the ODIHR continued implementation of a regional project in Central Asia focusing on human rights in pre-trial detention, an issue of concern throughout the region. Project participants — 22 members of NGOs and four governmental representatives “(…) the promotion of human rights through education and training in the whole OSCE area could be viewed in the context of the OSCE’s comprehensive concept of security and is vital for the strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, as well as for the promotion of tolerance and non-discrimination.” — Ljubljana Ministerial Council Decision No. 11, 2005 57