commitments, to address new challenges and socio-economic developments, to find new solutions to old problems, or as part of a regular process of monitoring existing laws. Legal reform is, therefore, a process that takes place in all countries. In order to implement legal reform effectively, lawmakers need access to international experience, good practices, standards and expertise. The legal opinions and commentaries ODIHR offers participating States, upon their request, bring such assets to bear in helping states evaluate whether draft or existing legislation meets international standards and OSCE commitments. Democratic Institutions and Practices for Democratic Governance Ensuring political pluralism, strengthening participation and increasing representation can only be achieved by addressing the institutions and practices that shape and direct the interaction between citizens and those who govern in their name. Political parties offer competing visions and options; parliaments incorporate this pluralism of voices into the policy process; civil society, by advocating for policy changes, helps to shape public debates and options for reform. In some parts of the OSCE area, however, these democratic mechanisms need targeted support. This can include addressing the [ Democratization ] Participants at an ODIHRsupported roundtable on linkages between population registration and voter registration in Georgia, Tbilisi, 22 November 2011. (OSCE/Zoran Dokovic) regulatory environment for political parties; assisting parliaments in strengthening their capacity to legislate, oversee the executive and pluralistically represent the people; or helping think tanks and civil society advocate for change. Gender Equality and Women’s Participation in Politics The equal participation of women and men in all spheres of public and private life is a core OSCE commitment and a cornerstone of representative democracy. When women’s voices are silenced — whether through legal frameworks or through cultural practices — democracies lose legitimacy, accountability and effectiveness in representing the interests of citizens. ODIHR supports participating States in progressing towards de jure and de facto gender equality, by enhancing legal and policy frameworks for gender equality, sharing good practices for promoting women’s participation in political and public life, and strengthening national mechanisms for the advancement of women. Migration and Freedom of Movement As population mobility has increased, the traditional means and routes of migration have also changed, ODIHR Annual Report 2011 21