In practice, the human dimension mechanism is only rarely applied, partly due to the development of the OSCE into a permanently functioning organization and partly due to the political considerations involved in invoking such ad hoc mechanisms.96 OSCE institutions with relevance to the human dimension The OSCE has established a number of permanent institutions to assist participating States with the implementation of OSCE human dimension commitments. The Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), based in Warsaw, is the main institution of the OSCE’s human dimension. The 1992 Helsinki Document mandated the ODIHR to help OSCE participating States “ensure full respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, to abide by the rule of law, to promote principles of democracy and […] to build, strengthen and protect democratic institutions, as well as promote tolerance throughout society.” Numerous other decisions have added tasks to this mandate. The ODIHR also assists participating States with the implementation of international legal obligations and OSCE commitments on anti-terrorism in compliance with international human rights standards. It organizes regular meetings that take stock of OSCE human dimension commitments and recommends follow-up. In all its activities, the ODIHR reaches out to a network of partners active in related areas, including international and local non-governmental human rights organizations, as well as international governmental organizations, in particular the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Council of Europe. The OSCE High Commissioner for National Minorities, established in 1992 and based in The Hague, is tasked to identify — and seek early resolution of — ethnic tensions that might endanger peace, stability, or friendly relations between OSCE participating States. In addition to seeking first-hand information, the High Commissioner seeks to promote dialogue, confidence, and co-operation. The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media assists participating States in furthering free, independent, and pluralistic media as one of the basic elements of a functioning pluralistic democracy. The Representative, whose office is in Vienna, observes media developments in all participating States and advocates and promotes compliance with relevant OSCE principles and commitments. Council of Europe The Council of Europe provides a major source of relevant law for this manual, as a majority of OSCE participating States are also members of the Council of Europe (currently 46 Member States). Council of Europe framework The key human rights instruments of the Council of Europe are: 96 The ODIHR continues to maintain a list of experts as required by the Moscow Mechanism. 50 Countering Terrorism, Protecting Human Rights