Democratization OSCE/Iulia Kirnitki The presentation of a report on the OSCE Trial Monitoring Programme for the Republic of Moldova, in Chisinau 19 June 2008. Soviet countries. Thirty experts from 19 countries attended the workshop. Background reports were commissioned by ODIHR to ensure an informed debate, and the summary report from the workshop contains recommendations to policy-makers and examples of good practices in the participating States. The expert seminar also strengthened ODIHR’s capacity to systematically address reform of the legal profession. The workshop summary and background reports are available on the ODIHR website. Promoting co-operation and exchange of expertise Much of ODIHR’s work is aimed at promoting co-operation and the sharing of expertise within and outside the OSCE. In encouraging and supporting compliance with OSCE commitments, ODIHR is attuned to the activities of OSCE field operations, international and bilateral organizations, and other assistance providers in the OSCE region. ODIHR staff seek opportunities to exchange experiences with these actors to enrich the organization’s professional acumen, expand its expert network, and share its expertise with others. May 2008 saw the launch of Trial Monitoring: A Reference Manual for Practitioners. This manual synthesizes the best practices and lessons learned from trial-monitoring programmes conducted by ODIHR and a large number of OSCE field operations. It is a practical resource for practitioners who are developing or running trial monitoring programmes, aimed at enhancing these programmes’ quality and thereby strengthening compliance with fair trial standards in participating States. The Manual was published in English, and is currently available in English and Russian on the ODIHR website. In November 2008, ODIHR organized a Trial Monitoring Conference, hosted by the OSCE Spillover Mission to the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, in Skopje. Representatives of OSCE field operations discussed the reference manual and issues of mutual concern, including limitations on access to hearings and court files, confidentiality and ways to enhance the impact of trial monitoring through a stronger focus on advocacy and capacity building. Follow-up meetings with field operations are planned for 2009. Annual Report 2008 A reference manual for practitioners of trial monitoring 25