This publication brings together the texts adopted by the Standing Committee of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe. The Congress, a consultative body of the Council of Europe, is made up of two chambers: one representing local authorities, the other the regions. Its aim is to reinforce democratic structures at local and regional level, and in particular to help the newly-emerging democracies in central and eastern Europe. The Congress adopts three different types of texts: recommendations, opinions and resolutions. Recommendations are proposals to the Committee of Ministers, and their application is left up to each member government. Sometimes they are also addressed to other international organisations. Opinions usually refer to questions to the Congress from the Committee of Ministers or the Parliamentary Assembly. The Committee of Ministers and the Parliamentary Assembly consult the Congress on questions which are likely to affect the competence and the basic interests of the local and regional authorities which the Congress represents. Resolutions reflect the decisions that the Congress is authorised to take, or make recommendations to local and/or regional authorities and their associations.

Scores of talented and dedicated people serve the forensic science community, performing vitally important work. However, they are often constrained by lack of adequate resources, sound policies, and national support. It is clear that change and advancements, both systematic and scientific, are needed in a number of forensic science disciplines to ensure the reliability of work, establish enforceable standards, and promote best practices with consistent application. Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: A Path Forward provides a detailed plan for addressing these needs and suggests the creation of a new government entity, the National Institute of Forensic Science, to establish and enforce standards within the forensic science community. The benefits of improving and regulating the forensic science disciplines are clear: assisting law enforcement officials, enhancing homeland security, and reducing the risk of wrongful conviction and exoneration. Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States gives a full account of what is needed to advance the forensic science disciplines, including upgrading of systems and organizational structures, better training, widespread adoption of uniform and enforceable best practices, and mandatory certification and accreditation programs. While this book provides an essential call-to-action for congress and policy makers, it also serves as a vital tool for law enforcement agencies, criminal prosecutors and attorneys, and forensic science educators.

"The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples is a culmination of a centuries-long struggle by indigenous peoples for justice. It is an important new addition to UN human rights instruments in that it promotes equality for the world's indigenous peoples and recognizes their collective rights."--Back cover.

Summarizes the science of climate change and impacts on the United States, for the public and policymakers.

This publication contains a set of guidelines for good practice in the conduct of elections, based on Europe's electoral heritage, as well as an explanatory report which explains the key principles on which they are based. The guidelines and report were adopted in 2002 by the Council for Democratic Elections and by the European Commission for Democracy through Law (also known as the Venice Commission); and approved in 2003 by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council Europe and by the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities in Europe.