9. Deploring that in a number of OSCE participating States, human rights defenders continuously work under extreme pressure from state authorities and face restrictions, in particular on the exercise of freedom of expression, association and assembly, 10. Expressing concern and disappointment with regard to the introduction of new legislation in a number of participating States that places further restrictions and constraints on the activities of human rights defenders, in particular by making them subject to unnecessary bureaucratic burdens, arbitrary detentions, assaults, illtreatment, or defamation campaigns, The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly: 11. Recognizes that domestic law consistent with the Charter of the United Nations and other international obligations of the state in the field of human rights and fundamental freedoms is the legal framework within which human rights and fundamental freedoms should be implemented and enjoyed, and within which all activities for the promotion, protection and effective realization of those rights and freedoms should be conducted; 12. Recognizes that human rights and fundamental freedoms are most likely to be secured when citizens either individually or collectively are able to hold their government to account and notes the particular importance of respect for the freedoms of association and peaceful assembly, as they are intrinsic to the exercise by citizens of their right to express their opinions and to raise publicly issues of concern, and their ability to contribute to their resolution; 13. Recognizes that everyone has the right, individually and in association with others, to have effective access, on a non-discriminatory basis, to participation in the government of his or her country and in the conduct of public affairs; 14. Recognizes the crucial role independent national human rights institutions can play in advancing and securing human rights and the need to foster links between these institutions and other groups in civil society; 15. Urges OSCE participating States to establish national human rights institutions in accordance with the Paris Principles, to take the appropriate measures to ensure their independence and all steps necessary to promote their working in partnership with and as advocates for other representatives of civil society; 16. Urges OSCE participating States to reaffirm the important role of human rights defenders and national human rights institutions in protecting and promoting human rights and fundamental freedoms at the 2007 Ministerial Council in Madrid; 17. Urges OSCE participating States to address the remaining challenges, the lack of progress and even set-backs with respect to the implementation of the freedoms of expression, association and assembly, under threat from a range of excessively restrictive laws and policies and that negatively affect the working environment of human right defenders; 18. Commends the OSCE/ODIHR for its continued assistance to participating States in this respect, particularly by reviewing legislation linked to human rights and fundamental freedoms, as they affect activities of human rights defenders, but also the development and recent publication of Guidelines on Freedom of Peaceful Assembly; 80