be reviewed after a period of two years in order to maximize the effectiveness of the OSCE’s
human dimension review mechanism.
217. An OSCE Human Dimension Committee would be welcomed by the ODIHR, as it
would enable it to participate more effectively in the work of the PC. In the wider context, it
could also serve as a counterpart to the Human Rights Council established within the United Nations as a result of wide-ranging reform efforts to raise the credibility and profile of the
UN’s human rights machinery. As a standing body, the Council, which replaced the Human
Rights Commission in 2006, is intended to facilitate in-depth consideration of human rights
issues, to serve as a forum for peer review among member states, and to evaluate the fulfilment of human rights obligations. If the OSCE were to upgrade its own work on the human
dimension to a standing Human Dimension Committee, closer co-operation with the Human Rights Council would seem advisable.
F. Working with Partners for Co-operation and within the wider international
architecture of human rights and democracy
218. From the outset, the ODIHR was tasked with developing close relations with partner
organizations in the international community to benefit from their work and knowledge and
to share its own views and experiences. A decade and a half ago, few would have imagined
how effectively and closely the various actors in the field would co-operate, not least due to
technological progress and the emergence of a highly qualified pool of professionals in the
fields of human rights and democratic reform.
219. First and foremost, the ODIHR has developed a constructive working relationship with
the Secretariat of the Council of Europe. The ODIHR Director and the Secretary General of
the Council of Europe regularly consult and co-ordinate directly, including during visits to
Strasbourg or Warsaw, respectively, and advisors have a good, close working relationship
with their relevant counterparts. The European Commission for Democracy through Law
has become a close partner, evidenced by a number of joint reports, opinions, and recommendations, in particular with regard to electoral reform, frequent expert-level co-ordination meetings, as well as excellent high-level relations. This good practice is based on issuedriven, informal consultations and closer co-operation on joint activities. The Council of
Europe’s Commissioner for Human Rights is a third close partner of the ODIHR, and good
staff-level co-operation exists.
220. The ODIHR also continues to have close relations on all levels with the United Nations
and its agencies. The interaction is frequent, both in formal frameworks such as the various
interagency meetings and processes, as well as informally, primarily in the field and in the
context of political consultations. The ODIHR shares a special relationship with the OHCHR,
based on a Co-operation Agreement setting out regular consultations, as well as joint work
and initiatives. This is also the case for the UNDP. The ODIHR has closely followed the reform processes within the UN, in particular where they relate to the international human
rights protection mechanisms.
221. In April 2004, the UN Human Rights Commission resolved to enhance the role of regional organizations and arrangements that assist in the promotion and consolidation of de72
Common Responsibility: Commitments and Implementation
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