Democratization: Legislative Support Activities In 2005, the ODIHR’s activities focused on the following areas: k Strengthening capacity for legislative reform; k Improving legislative efficiency and transparency; and k Further strengthening legislationline.org. I. Strengthening capacity for legislative reform Legislative reform is a constant factor for countries throughout the OSCE region. Whether inspired by the need to meet international standards or as a reaction to emerging domestic or international issues, existing laws are continually being assessed, reviewed, and revised, and new laws are being drafted and adopted. In many cases, however, the structures or procedures needed to produce effective legislation do not evolve in a commensurate manner. Where one might lack the technical expertise needed to draft legislation on a particular topic, another might fail to include civil society in the drafting process. Upon request, the ODIHR lends assistance to states to make up part of such a capacity gap. This primarily consists of providing legal expertise to assess compliance with relevant standards, making recommendations to improve draft legislation, and sharing good practices that may help law drafters explore options other than those originally considered. In terms of sharing good practices, the ODIHR’s legislative database (www.legislationline.org) is a powerful tool for all those involved in legislative reform. The ODIHR provides direct assistance to lawmakers while the legislative process is underway. ODIHR experts work closely with local actors and make constructive recommendations that take into consideration the specifics of the domestic legal system. Assistance does not, however, end at the lawdrafting stage. Due attention is given to following up on recommendations both to clarify them for legislators and other relevant parties and, if necessary, to help incorporate them into the draft legislation under consideration. Such follow-up may take the form of conducting consultations with authorities and holding roundta- Participants at a forum in Astana discuss Kazakhstan’s draft law on national security, 22 April. Nikolai Belorukov, a member of Kazakhstan’s Con- OSCE stitutional Court, is on the left. 46 ANNUAL REPORT 2005