New commitments could also be elaborated to complement other areas that are at the core of the OSCE’s human dimension: first, with regard to more traditional areas of human rights norms such as the prevention of torture; and second, with regard to key ingredients of democratic constitutionalism, the separation of powers of government, and judicial scrutiny of normative acts. Existing commitments in both areas could benefit from clarification or specification; a consolidation of commitments on tolerance and non-discrimination might also be considered. While the ODIHR’s election-related activities are discussed and reflected upon throughout the report, Chapter III explains in more detail the basis for, and the functioning of, the ODIHR’s observation methodology, and it responds to criticism that it has recently drawn. In line with many of the solicited responses from States, the report outlines the modalities through which participating States can ensure effective follow-up to the recommendations offered by the ODIHR. In addition, the ODIHR presents a number of concrete measures, some of them already on the way, to strengthen its election-related assistance to participating States. Presenting ways to strengthen the ODIHR’s overall assistance efforts, the final chapter of the report clearly stresses that States should enable the ODIHR, as well as the other OSCE institutions, to be effective. The key to the ODIHR’s successful assistance undoubtedly lies with States and the degree to which they, first and foremost, demonstrate the necessary political will to prepare the ground for effective assistance work and, second, provide an environment conducive for the ODIHR to continue its work successfully. Effective peer review and collective follow-up to the ODIHR’s work are indispensable for its work in the human dimension. In this respect, a proposed Human Dimension Committee could allow for a more standardized manner of monitoring, reviewing implementation, preparing and following up on human dimension meetings. It should, however, not be seen as an alternative to the annual Human Dimension Implementation Meeting, but rather as an additional element in making these important mandated meetings even more relevant, focused, and better prepared. The OSCE must live up to the aspirations of an earlier generation, as well as to the spirit of the OSCE’s achievements, which continue to encourage so many in the region and beyond. The participating States are particularly called upon to lead the way and demonstrate that, despite the difficulties, credible collective action in the human dimension is possible. It is hoped that this report will be of value to the deliberations on strengthening the effectiveness of the OSCE, in what is a clear shared responsibility of all 56 participating States: upholding common commitments and their implementation to the benefit of all. viii Common Responsibility: Commitments and Implementation