“In the near future, we will witness the implementation of positive messages about NGOs”

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Question: Recently, the government and representatives of civil society have conveyed positive messages to the public regarding the legislation on NGOs, as well as the activities of donors. What is the likelihood that these positive messages will be implemented in the near future?

Answer: Such messages appeared at the end of 2020. In April 2021, the Agency for State Support to NGOs was created by the by order of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, became a step demonstrating the government's readiness to carry out reforms in the field of NGOs at the highest level.

Turning to the Charter of the Agency for State Support to NGOs, we will see that Mr. President sets clear requirements for the financial stability of civil society, institutional development, gaining experience, attracting business structures to finance civil society projects, as well as preparing a report on the situation of the civil society in the country.  The presentation of these tasks to the agency means that, wishing to carry out the reform, the state creates a legal basis for this. Another important fact is that people who are known in civil society for their independent views have been appointed to the Agency's Supervisory Board, and the proposals put forward by them, first, serve to ensure the interests of this sector. Because, as members of the Supervisory Board, they retain the functions of heads of NGOs.

I assure you, very soon, we will witness the implementation of the positive messages that you are talking about.

Question: Do you think the authorities are ready to take these steps in the current conditions? If so, what prompts it to do so? What is the reason?

Answer: Let me remind you that last year, during a meeting with representatives of public organizations, Presidential Aide Hikmet Hajiyev paid special attention to the proposals of civil society representatives. This gave rise to serious hopes. It was already clear that after the 44-day Patriotic War, the authorities are in the stage of preparation for serious processes related to the implementation of innovations and reforms in the country.

After the most serious problem, which is the subject of constant concern of the authorities - the problem of the liberation of the occupied territories, was resolved, it became clear that there is no such problem in the country, the solution of which would be impossible. The presence of certain shifts in the Karabakh issue has actualized the solution of other issues facing the country. No matter what political opponents say, the government does not connect to alliances that are considered priority for Russia. On the contrary, while maintaining relations with the EU (European Union), it did not remove from the agenda the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, which she had been working on for many years.

Just the interest in the development of these relations plays and will play an important role in the normalization of all political processes and the implementation of reforms in the country.

The state is well aware that the political approach of Azerbaijan is built on a multi-vector approach. Therefore, I am sure that work will be carried out aimed at maintaining normal relations within the country, increasing confidence in the country in order to reduce external influence. This is by no means a consequence of anyone's influence; this is the desire of the authorities to put their affairs in order, to direct all the attention of society to the restoration of the territories liberated from the occupation.

Question: You also confirm that there have repeatedly been positive messages. However, the result is still the same. Even Ali Hasanov's dialogue with representatives of civil society took place and the same messages were distributed. As a result, the situation only got worse. For almost a year now, an official of the Presidential Administration has been holding meetings with the heads of NGOs, but the result is still the same. Such messages are usually made in order to calm down, silence civil society in anticipation of making any important decisions in the country. Perhaps this time, too, such messages are transmitted in order to calm civil society.

Answer: You see, at one time I myself participated in dialogues between civil society and the government. Despite the meetings were very productive, most of the ideas expressed related to changes in legislation. The problem with civil society was created under the direct leadership of A. Hasanov, it was then that the rules were tightened and the accusations intensified. As representatives of the authorities, on the one hand, they tightened the rules, and on the other, called on NGOs to "dialogue", studied their opinions and hoped that "everything would work out." Now the government representative met with NGOs, listened to their opinion, after which the Agency for State Policy of NGOs was created, and the members of the Supervisory Board of the Agency were asked to prepare proposals for the implementation of reforms.

This is a completely different approach. The supervisory board is naturally composed of representatives of NGOs active in the country. They know this process no worse than their colleagues do, because they have experienced the established restrictions "on their own skin." Therefore, I reject suspicions of the authorities' intention to appease civil society. We have recorded the issues raised during our online conferences with NGOs. During the meetings, in order to solve the problems of NGOs, we tried to discuss all the issues.

Question: In what aspect do you think it is possible to amend the Law on NGOs?

Answer: Currently, among the issues of concern to NGOs - access to grants from international donors, simplification of registration of NGOs and rules for making donations.

It is enough for the government to change only a few rules to simplify the state registration procedures for NGOs. Doing this electronically will make them much easier. I believe that after these reforms are carried out, there will be no problems with registering NGOs.

At the same time, the simplification of the registration process, their re-inclusion in the register will greatly facilitate the situation.

The return of foreign donors to the country is also on the agenda. However, it is important, first, to facilitate the work with the donors remaining in the country. We understand that foreign donors have left the country and the process of their return will take a long time. Now the trends are different, the pandemic has postponed the implementation of many programs. Even if an “open door” is announced today, a serious influx of donors can hardly be expected.

Question: By the way, messages in connection with the problem of political prisoners have appeared lately. In your opinion, does the government have the political will to resolve it?

Answer: Information about this appeared after a meeting between human rights activists and presidential aide Hikmet Hajiyev. Human rights defenders have repeatedly provided the authorities with lists of prisoners of this category, made appeals for their release.

Question: What would you suggest for the normal functioning of civil society, as well as for a radical solution to the problem of political prisoners?

Answer: The normal development of civil society requires, first, conditions for its smooth functioning. In particular, it is necessary to remove the barriers artificially created in 2014. It is unavoidable. The state is also interested in launching these processes.

The financial sustainability of civil society needs to be increased. Either the state will do it, or NGOs will increase their stability by receiving money from abroad. Today, 13 government agencies allocate funds for the activities of NGOs, which in a sense can be considered an attempt to fill this gap. However, problems related to transparency, effective management and monitoring of government funds must be resolved. For international donors, this problem did not exist. They have decades of experience. Government agencies, due to their ambition, inexperience and the preference to work with NGOs in which they trust reduce the credibility of this process.

There should be no problems with registering an NGO. Since NGOs differ from commercial structures in their goals and objectives, it naturally takes a certain period to check any of their activities directed against the state, human rights and freedoms. However, if the registration process is electronic, the monitoring of state structures, as well as the monitoring of structures associated with civil society, will be facilitated.

I suggested that there should be resources offering cheaper services for NGOs, an office for them, and the rental of equipment at special discounted prices provided by the centers created for this. Prioritize funding for NGOs from the country, increase funding or implement long-term projects. To improve the qualifications of NGOs, to establish international cooperation, the agency should carry out a number of activities. Encourage the specialization of NGOs, interaction with business structures in the implementation of social orders.

I hope that we will witness that the hard times for NGOs are behind us. We will be able to streamline internal funding, which can lay the foundation for NGOs' independence from external funding, so that government funding satisfies all productive NGOs.

Kamran Mahmudov