South-Eastern Europe During the 1990s, South-Eastern Europe was the scene of The main issues some of the most brutal conflicts in Europe since World War II. Fighting in the region resulted in the deaths of hundreds
of thousands of people; more than a million more fled their Institution-building, democratization, and human rights: While conflicts in the region have ended, there homes, becoming refugees in foreign countries or Internally continues to be a need to strengthen central and local-gov- Displaced Persons in their own. The overall effect was one of ernment institutions, e.g., by training professional and de- great destruction, including social and economic breakdown politicized civil servants, and by improving transparency throughout the region. and good governance. In addition, there is a clear need to enhance the role and capabilities of human rights institu- Since the cessation of fighting, there have been numerous tions and parliaments, and to improve regional and cross- positive developments, but local authorities and the interna- border exchange and co-operation. tional community still face a range of challenges in terms of post-conflict rehabilitation.
Rule of law: One of the fundamental features of any democracy is the proper functioning of its judiciary and penAs part of the OSCE's overall efforts in the region, the itentiary systems, where citizens have access to the justice ODIHR, together with its local and international partners, is system and can also expect a fair trial and professional treat- working to ensure that democratic principles are recognized ment, as well as the guarantee of their basic human rights. and implemented, that the rule of law is respected, and that human rights are protected. It is also helping to build demo-
cratic institutions and increase their capacity to function. cluding youth in particular, is crucial for the future develop- Through these efforts, the ODIHR also aims to contribute to ment of societies in the region. Those active in civil society reconciliation in the region, which is part of a long-term ef- continue to require guidance and assistance to develop to a fort with the goals of conflict prevention, rehabilitation, and stage where they serve the interests of groups in society vis- building democracy. à-vis governments and legislators. Practical and timely meas- Youth and civil society: A functioning civil society, in- ures need to be taken to prevent negative trends, such as ODIHR activities in South-Eastern Europe emphasize the de- the continuation of brain drain and youth disenchantment, velopment of local capacity and eventual self-sustainability. from becoming serious threats to democratic, political, eco- For example, an ODIHR report on crisis management and nomic, and cultural developments in the region. public safety was the basis for a 2003 position paper of the international community (the European Union, the United
States, NATO, and the OSCE) on the new law on crisis man- need to co-ordinate and address regional and sub-regional agement in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. The problems and to find common solutions for common chal- ODIHR report followed years of work in the country training lenges has grown over the years in the region. A range of police officers, as well as ministry and local officials, on crisis regional and international initiatives, such as the Stability management. Pact for South Eastern Europe, have been developed to ad- International co-ordination and co-operation: The dress specific and longer-term developmental issues. 42