ANNUAL REPORT 2003 4. NGO participation in OSCE events The ODIHR is dedicated to maintaining close relations with non-governmental organizations. The relationships formed are valuable for both sides: The ODIHR needs the expertise, monitoring reports, and information that NGOs on the ground can compile in order to provide a more complete picture of how OSCE participating States are complying with their commitments; at the same time, the ODIHR provides NGOs with a visible international political platform to engage partners in their respective issues. In 2003, the ODIHR helped NGOs take part in three Supplementary Human Dimension Meetings and one Human Dimension Seminar, as well as the two-week Human Dimension Implementation Meeting in Warsaw. In total, the Office facilitated the participation of some 450 NGOs in these events, where non-governmental actors were able to have dialogue with government delegations. Future priorities In 2003, the NGO Unit was tasked with investigating the ways and means for the ODIHR to strengthen democratic governance in the OSCE region. As a result, a programming document for 2004-2005 was drafted that focuses primarily on the field of interaction between citizens and authorities, in particular at the local level. As a logical extension of its 2003 strategy, the NGO Unit will continue to run the Civic Dialogue and Civic Diplomacy programmes in 2004-2005. In addition, it will initiate two new programmes. The first focuses on securing a legal and political environment for NGOs to develop, foreseeing reviews of draft NGO laws; consultations on tax, registration, and grant laws; assistance to local legal NGOs in defending the rights of other NGOs; and training of legal professionals, including government officials in the implementation of NGO legislation. The second programme is a public-awareness initiative, including a youth and society component, as well as a comprehensive civic-education project aimed at citizens, NGOs, and local authorities. 27 Democratization Civil Society