ANNUAL REPORT 2004 Foreword Racism, discrimination, and intolerance make up one tion’s long-standing democracies. Among others, it such challenge that the Organization has recognized as conducted observations and assessments in Georgia, a threat to human security in the OSCE region. The Russia, Belarus, the United States, Ukraine, Spain, Ro- ODIHR is responding to this priority by developing a new mania, and Slovakia. Programme on Tolerance and Non-discrimination. It has started to collect information, gather examples of initia- In the coming year, the ODIHR will continue to ap- tives and best practices, and work actively with other in- proach human dimension issues with a combination of ternational partners in this regard. constructive monitoring and assistance to help remedy any shortfalls. 2004 presented occasions for renewing commitments This report provides insights into the scope and impact of our activities. Taken together with our publications and website, it should be seen as an invitation for feedback. The ODIHR has also enhanced its capacity for legislative I wish to thank our many partners throughout the support: The www.legislationline.org project has now OSCE region, including OSCE field missions and institu- developed into a fully fledged Legislative Support Pro- tions and other international organizations, for their gramme that assists participating States in drafting leg- continued support and co-operation. And my warmest islation in line with human dimension commitments. thanks go to the dedicated staff of the ODIHR. The ODIHR continues to conduct a broad range of acAmbassador Christian Strohal tivities towards fostering democracy and the rule of law, promoting and protecting human rights, addressing pertinent shortcomings, and assisting participating States in the implementation of their commitments. As Europe’s leading election observation agency, the ODIHR Director ODIHR had one of its busiest years ever in 2004, with 15 observation missions. In addition to monitoring elections in OSCE’s new democracies in the region, the ODIHR continued to follow elections in the Organiza- 5