Synopsis of main issues and suggestions received In order to solicit further contributions and facilitate consultations in accordance with MC decision 17/05, the following synopsis compiles the main issues and suggestions that have so far emerged from the first informal briefing on 7 July 2006 and the written responses to NVs 62/2006 and 257/2006 provided by a large number of the participating States with regard to the four substantive areas enumerated therein. It also updates the overview that was distributed on 3 July 2006, in preparation of the first informal briefing. This list is intended to guide further work on the ODIHR report for the Ministerial Council in Brussels, without being seen as either exhaustive or precluding further additions or specifications. This synopsis shows the cross-cutting nature of the key issues and suggestions the ODIHR received and the categorization within the four substantive headings is for convenience only and does not imply a prioritisation of certain issues. I. Implementation of existing commitments A. The Commitment to Implement and general trends in implementation • The extent of implementation of the existing human dimension (HD) commitments in participating States (pS); • Identification/assessment of areas in which implementation of existing HD commitments is improving or challenging/deteriorating; • Ways to (further) identify these challenges and improvements with regard to implementation of existing HD commitments; • Causes for insufficient implementation by participating States; • Value of additional reaffirmation of existing commitments; • Ways to ensure synergies with other dimensions, cross-dimensionality of many HD issues • Overall adequacy of the OSCE’s respective monitoring and review mechanisms • Effective mechanisms for pS to abide by their commitments undertaken in the OSCE framework › Improve use of existing structures: enhance combination of assistance by OSCE bodies and of review process; › Further adherence to existing international monitoring systems; › Focus on independent, impartial monitoring of HDC implementation; › Need for enhanced use of peer review for more systematic review of implementation: Role of PC (ref Budapest 1994 Dec. VIII. Human Dimension p.5); • Ways of informing pS on the state of play of implementation of existing HD commitments; Ways to improve systematic monitoring and reporting on implementation: › Periodic comprehensive review: carried out by mixed group of pS every x-number of years of the implementation of all HD commitments; › Periodic review: carried out by mixed group of pS or special Rapporteurs on selection of HD themes; › Assistance of ODIHR for preparation of review; › Peer review should be clearly linked with HDIMs: national reporting on implementation of commitments at HDIMs; › Regular/special PCs for pS to report and debate on activities; › Targeted visits to address (lack of) implementation of commitments; › National Reports shared with pS and NGOs; • Role of the participating States in improving and ensuring the implementation of existing HD commitments: Common Responsibility: Commitments and Implementation 97