“The high level of expertise and professionalism developed by the ODIHR over the past years has made the Office a credible and highly respected partner for governments as well as for other international organizations and NGOs”, says Ambassador Stoudmann. sition. “We will also pay increased attention to the growing number of human rights problems affecting all countries across the OSCE region such as xenophobia, racism and intolerance”, says the ODIHR Director. “In doing so, we will do our best to retain our characteristc strength: Flexibility and expertise that give the capability to react quickly and unfettered by bureaucracy when our advice and assistance is requested anywhere in the OSCE area.” The ODIHR today employs more than 80 staff from over 30 countries across the OSCE area. The Office’s budget in 2001 exceeded R12,5 million, including R6 million in voluntary contributions by participating States and other donors. Responding flexibly and rapidly to emerging needs Over the past years, the ODIHR has proved its capability to respond rapidly and effectively to emerging needs and opportunities in the OSCE area – one of the Office’s comparative advantages. “Despite its relatively small size and its limited resources, the ODIHR, as a highly flexible and costefficient office, has had considerable impact in a number of clearly defined target areas”, says Ambassador Stoudmann. This was also the conclusion of an external evaluation of ODIHR project work carried out in 2000. Looking ahead Following several years of steady expansion, the ODIHR has entered a phase of consolidation. The focus is now on refining the existing programmes and ensuring proper follow-up, while retaining flexibility. ODIHR HISTORY IN BRIEF 1991 OPENING OF THE CSCE OFFICE FOR FREE ELECTIONS. FIRST DIRECTOR: AMB. LUCHINO CORTESE (ITALY). FIRST ELECTION OBSERVATION. 1992 BROADER MANDATE AND NEW NAME: OFFICE FOR DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTIONS AND HUMAN RIGHTS. FIRST DEMOCRATIZATION PROJECTS AND FIRST HUMAN DIMENSION SEMINAR IN WARSAW. 1994 AMB. AUDREY GLOVER (UNITED KINGDOM) APPOINTED ODIHR DIRECTOR. 1997 AMB. GÉRARD STOUDMANN (SWITZERLAND) APPOINTED THIRD ODIHR DIRECTOR. NEW ELECTION AND DEMOCRATIZATION PROGRAMMES DEVELOPED. 1998 INAUGURATION OF NEW OFFICE PREMISES. NUMBER OF STAFF EXCEEDS 40. 2000 AMB. STOUDMANN RE-APPOINTED. ODIHR IMPLEMENTS OVER 100 PROJECTS AND OBSERVES 100TH ELECTION SINCE 1991. NUMBER OF STAFF EXCEEDS 80. 2001 ODIHR CELEBRATES 10TH ANNIVERSARY. In the years to come, the ODIHR will remain committed to assisting OSCE countries with facing the challenges of tran- 18 19