requisite level of autonomy and independence to be effective. The important role of both human rights defenders and national human rights institutions has been recognized by the international community on numerous occasions and is reflected in important documents, in particular the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders35 and the Paris Principles36 relating to the status of national institutions. In the same spirit, OSCE States have recognized the contribution of human rights defenders and national human rights institutions to the concept of comprehensive security.37 54. After an improvement of the framework for civil society in many States, the recent past has been marked by a visible trend of alienation between human rights defenders and state authorities. Human rights defenders are at times even portrayed by authorities as “enemies of the state” in an attempt to sway public opinion against the activities of groups or even against individuals themselves. In a number of OSCE States, human rights defenders continuously work under extreme pressure from state authorities and face restrictions on the exercise of freedom of expression, association and assembly. There are still too many cases where human rights defenders are subjected to unnecessary bureaucratic burdens, arbitrary detentions, assaults, ill-treatment, or defamation campaigns. Ñ Involuntary migration: the challenge of refugees and IDPs 55. Conflict-related displacement of populations and the protection of their rights represent another acute challenge. The problems encountered in the OSCE region include cases of protracted displacement due to the failure to resolve long-standing conflicts, and inadequate minority protection that effectively discourages returns. The importance of political dialogue and proactive initiatives on a national level to resolve situations of displacement cannot be overemphasized. In this regard, consultation with civil society and displaced communities is critical to the development of effective national response. So too is the role of regional and international organizations, including the OSCE, in reinforcing national responsibility. The needs of women and children in situations of involuntary displacement or migration must be taken into account more thoroughly, including by implementing the respective commit- In Maastricht in 2003, the Ministerial Council ments contained in the 2003 Roma and Sinti Ac- decided to take into account the UN Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement as a usetion Plan.38 56. The situation of refugees and IDPs in the OSCE region is gradually improving. In recent years, States have reduced the numbers of refugees and IDPs, but the problem persists. OSCE States focused on these challenges at the SHDMs on Migration and Internal Displacement held in ful framework for the work of the OSCE and the endeavours of participating States in dealing with internal displacement. This was a new step for the Organization. According to Principle 3, “national authorities have the primary duty and responsibility to provide protection and humanitarian assistance to internally displaced persons within their jurisdiction”. 35  UN General Assembly document A/RES/53/144, 8 March 1999. 36  Principles Relating to the Status of National Institutions, UN General Assembly Resolution 48/134, 20 December 1993. 37  The first Supplementary Human Dimension Meeting (SHDM), in October 2001, on the topic of Human Rights: Advocacy and Defenders was followed on 30-31 March 2006 by the SHDM on Human Rights Defenders and National Human Rights Institutions: Legislative, State and Non-State Aspects. A full list of human dimension meetings is annexed to this report. 38  In the 2003 Roma and Sinti Action Plan, OSCE States commit themselves to “consult Roma and Sinti populations when defining crisis situations in order to facilitate adequate procedures and to identify specific geographical areas from which refugees and internally displaced persons flee, as well as to ensure that the specific situation of Roma and Sinti people are addressed”, as well as to “pay specific attention to Roma and Sinti women and children in crisis and post-crisis situations”. 20 Common Responsibility: Commitments and Implementation