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 political considerations involved in invoking such ad hoc mechanisms.* 4. OSCE institutions with relevance to the human dimension Departing from the conference approach of its early years, the OSCE has established a number of permanent institutions to assist participating States with the implementation of OSCE human dimension commitments. The following gives a very basic overview of the main institutions dealing with human dimension issues without giving a full account of their roles and activities. A. The Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights Originally established as the Office for Free Elections in 1991,** the OSCE’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), based in Warsaw, is the main institution of the OSCE for the human dimension. The 1992 Helsinki Document set out the ODIHR’s mandate 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.” In accordance with its mandate and taskings contained in a variety of documents, ODIHR promotes democratic election processes through the in-depth observation of elections, conducts election assistance projects that enhance meaningful participatory democracy, and assists OSCE participating States in the implementation of their human dimension commitments by providing expertise and practical support in building up democratic institutions. This is done through longer-term programmes to strengthen the rule of law, democratic governance and civil society. ODIHR also assists OSCE field missions in their human dimension activities, through training, the exchange of experiences, and regional co-ordination, and contributes to early warning and conflict prevention by monitoring the implementation of OSCE human dimension commitments by participating States. For this purpose, it also provides regular human rights training for government authorities, civil society, and OSCE staff. 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, and in implementing their commitments on tolerance and non-discrimination. In this context, it also supports efforts to respond to and combat hate crimes and incidents of racism, anti-Semitism, and other forms of intolerance, including against Muslims. ODIHR serves as the OSCE Contact Point for Roma and Sinti Issues and seeks to promote the full integration of Roma and Sinti into the societies in which they live. In all its activities, *  Nevertheless, the responsible OSCE institution, the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, continues to maintain an active list of experts as required by the Moscow Mechanism. **  The decision to create the Office for Free Elections was made at the Summit of Paris in 1990. The Office was opened in 1991. xxi