work, instead of hindering it. Defenders can use such consultations to point out areas of new bureaucratic procedures, for example, that might cause particular difficulties for their work. At the same time, it is important to remember that a lack of commentary from defenders does not necessarily mean they agree with every aspect of proposed legislation. It may therefore be useful to ensure that there is a regular process for consulting with defenders, in addition to having an open legislative process in general. One example is the Polish system for involving NGOs in the regulation of their own sector, whereby NGOs and other entities are consulted on draft legislation in areas relating to their activities.202 In another example, the OSCE Mission to Montenegro undertook an assistance project aimed at developing Montenegro’ s legal-aid system. As part of the project, the justice minister formed a working group of NGO representatives.203 Involving human rights defenders in the drafting of periodic reports to international bodies Defenders can also be involved at the national level in the drafting of periodic reports to UN treaty-monitoring bodies. This kind of involvement often brings together governments and NGOs, allowing dialogue on substantive issues and creating contacts between government officials and defenders. In Serbia, for example, defenders and human rights NGOs are included by the State Agency for Human and Minority Rights in the consultation process regarding the drafting of Council of Europe reports and periodic reports to UN treaty-monitoring bodies. Defenders are included as relevant partners based on their recognized field of expertise.204 A noteworthy development in this area is the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process within the UN Human Rights Council. In some cases, countries involve NGOs in the preparation of UPR reports, which contributes to the quality and depth of the reports, and allows the government to present not only its achievements but also a self-critical and balanced report on the human rights situation in the country. Switzerland: Example of Involving Human rights defenders in the Drafting of Periodic Reports to International Bodies205 The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs consults NGOs about important international and national decisions, and the position of NGOs can be included in messages for bilateral meetings. 202 Poland’ s response to ODIHR’ s questionnaire, 2 June 2008. Information provided by the OSCE Mission to Montenegro, 14 May 2008. 204 Information provided by the OSCE Mission to Serbia, 23 May 2008. Similarly, Azerbaijan’ s commissioner for human rights organized a roundtable discussion with a government delegation and NGOs in 2007 to discuss the recommendations of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women in respect of Azerbaijan. Information provided by Azerbaijan’ s commissioner for human rights, 9 October 2008. 205 Switzerland’ s response to ODIHR’ s questionnaire, 23 May 2008. 203 45