ANNUAL REPORT 2004 Democratization Legislative Support Legislationline will gradually be translated into Russian, 2. Legislationline and more information about legislative procedures in OSCE countries will be made available on the site. Legislationline (www.legislationline.org), a free-ofcharge online legislative database, was created in 2002 The Office also plans to consolidate its methodology by to assist OSCE participating States in bringing their leg- evaluating its legislative reviews carried out in 2004 islation into line with relevant international human- with the aim of defining a strategy to improve the rights standards. The database was designed as a draft- quality and impact of its legislative-assistance schemes. ing tool for lawmakers, not simply as an archive of domestic or international legislation. Its purpose is to provide assistance to those who prepare and draft laws at the working level. Through Legislationline, they can obtain examples and options from other countries' legislation that can help them make their own choices. The activities involved in maintaining the database not only benefit lawmakers but also permit ODIHR experts to observe patterns in legislative activity, identify best practices, and monitor the application of international standards. In 2004, the ODIHR took a number of steps to improve Legislationline, including by consolidating the website, rationalizing its news service, improving its outreach, keeping it up-to-date, and further contextualizing the information available from its thematic sections. As a reference tool for a variety of users (primarily law drafters, legal professionals, government officials, parliamentary staff, and legal specialists in international organizations), it is the most comprehensive database on legislation related to issues such as human trafficking, elections, and citizenship. Future priorities While continuing to provide expertise to legislators on draft legislation related to human dimension issues, the ODIHR plans to increase its focus on legislative transparency by considering ways to foster broader consultations on proposed legislation and also by better defining and promoting transparency standards. 49