OGP Leaves Doors Open

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- International Partnership Platform Open Government has given Azerbaijan another two years to restore membership on certain conditions. What are these specific conditions?

- The Steering Committee of the International Platform Open Government Partnership, at a meeting held on December 5-6, made a decision on Azerbaijan. By the resolution of the Committee of December 5, the suspension of the membership of the country was again extended. This time the extension is not based on a specific period, but based on actions. Previously, the country was given time twice, each time for one year. This time period is extended for the period of implementation of the new National Action Plan (2019-2021). At first glance it may seem that the country was given two years time. In fact, this time is divided into short periods, and they cover the following stages:

By March 1, 2019, in accordance with the OGP standard in the years 2019-2021, a roadmap of the National Action Plan should be prepared and published. This roadmap should be built within the framework of the main OGP summits; in the process of preparing the National Plan, the interested parties should participate outside the Open Government Partnership Forum (meaning the Government-Society Public Dialogue Platform - K.M.).

By June 1, 2019, high-level representatives (at ministerial level and above) must be appointed to lead the OGP process in Azerbaijan.

By June 1, 2019, preparations for the OGP Action Plan should start in Azerbaijan with the participation of all parties. The plan should aim to eliminate restrictions on civil society.

By December 31, 2019, the National Action Plan must be completed, adopted and submitted to the appropriate organization of the Open Government Partnership (Support Unit).

By August 31, 2021, the National Action Plan must be fully implemented. The Action Plan should be evaluated by independent experts (IRM).

Each stage will be monitored and decisions will be taken in accordance with the execution. If these deadlines are not met, Azerbaijan will be permanently excluded from the OGP. A return to the consideration of a country's membership is possible only with the fulfillment of obligations.

- As far as we know, earlier Azerbaijan was also given two terms. Does the OGP really hope that the government, which did not fulfill the conditions in two terms, will fulfill these conditions this time?

"I think that in this issue the merits of civil society should be noted because the members of the Steering Committee held discussions and exchanged views with various members of civil society. According to my information, all members of civil society, without exception, point out the importance of Azerbaijan"s membership in the OGP and have asked to give the country another opportunity. For example, on November 4-5, I participated in the OGP Asia-Pacific Regional Conference held in South Korea. Neighboring Georgia and Armenia participated in this forum at the level of government departments and civil society, but, unfortunately, Azerbaijan was represented only by me. This time, the focus was on Armenia, and in previous forums, Ukraine and Georgia were the focus of attention. I again watched how the organization lost interest in Azerbaijan. I felt like the parent of a bad student at the parent meeting. Taking advantage of participation in the event, I met with various members of the Steering Committee and asked to give Azerbaijan the last chance. As it can be seen, the Committee, discussing with interested parties, became convinced of the partnership of civil society and took this into account. In this, of course, the government"s position matters, as it takes the obligation and fulfills it. Committee members held discussions with them too. Perhaps the government was able to convince them and reported serious intentions regarding the fulfillment of obligations.

Azerbaijan was elected a member of the OGP in 2011. On May 4, 2016, at the next meeting of the Open Government Partnership Steering Committee, Azerbaijan"s membership in the OGP was considered, the status of the state was reduced from comprehensive to inactive. The main reason for this step was that the Committee described the restrictions created in Azerbaijan over the activities of the civil society institution.

- Is the Azerbaijani government calmed with the third term given to it? That is, the government may decide that we will not be excluded from the Platform if we do not fulfill the conditions.

- As I noted, this time a decision will be made on the basis of actions. If the requirements are not met, it is not necessary to wait for 2021, tough measures will be taken in a timely manner. For example, if a roadmap is not prepared by March 1, they will not wait until June 1.

- How do you think the Azerbaijani government will fulfill all the conditions, with no exceptions?

- The OGP initiatives are built on 4 pillars: accountability, transparency, technology and innovation, and citizen participation. Let's reveal: Reporting is the existence of mechanisms to justify the activity of state structures and the reaction to criticism and the demands addressed to them. Technology and innovation shows the importance of increasing the opportunities for citizens to use technology. Civic participation is decision making through participation in public debates and discussions. Transparency shows the comprehensiveness and openness of information about government decisions and activities. Each state participating in the OGP initiatives must comply with policies consistent with these four principles. For example, in technology and innovation, we have significant advancements. The number and variety of electronic services is increasing, as well as their availability to the population. In reporting and transparency, there is a slight improvement, though. Not to the extent we want, but government agencies report to the public. Civil society participation is very low. Now it is necessary to strengthen these areas through the mediation of the OGP initiative. I want to say that the government fulfills part of the obligations. Recent decisions emphasize the importance of transparency mechanisms. Why, then, does Azerbaijan not go along with international initiatives? On the other hand, transparency and accountability are most needed by the government.

Will the government fulfill its obligations? Time will show. I can only say that if they are implemented, such steps will benefit the government and society. The main problem of the government is related to civil society. Other commitments are somehow fulfilled. It means the government should eliminate previously restrictive norms in front of the activities of civil society.

- We have experienced the Transparency Initiative platform in the extractive industry. The Azerbaijani government came out of this platform when the platform did not fulfill its desire. Can the OGP beware of such an experience? Having any special interests in Azerbaijan, does not it want to exclude the country from this platform? What could be these interests?

- The interest of the OGP in Azerbaijan can only consist in expanding the initiative to as many states as possible. Currently, there are 79 member states of this platform. Over time, the number of such countries continues to grow. Of course, there are countries that have left the Initiative like Turkey and Montenegro. Turkey did not fulfill its obligations; so at first it was lowered to inactive status, and then excluded. I note that only Azerbaijan have received such benefits. Until now, no state has received such preferential opportunities. The main reason for this is in the merits of civil society. Otherwise, Azerbaijan is an ordinary state for the OGP.

- In your opinion, is the OGP sincere in its demands?

- The OGP unites 79 countries. Decisions are made with the participation of members, and all standards and norms are made with the participation of all participants. Azerbaijan was accepted as a member in the organization in 2011, and is considered one of the first countries wishing to participate in this initiative. So, it considers this initiative important, once it joined it. Participating countries adopt national action plans that are consistent with the OGP standards. Obligations in these plans are not defined by the OGP, and the specific interested parties in the country are engaged in this, and the government assumes obligations. It is believed that when implementing the National Plans, the population"s access to public services will improve, the population will be able to influence decision-making, and will demand transparency from the government. Accepted countries are committed to the OGP.

- When can problems with this international organization and platforms be resolved? What must the government or organizations do for this?

- For our country, it is important to be a member of international platforms. In a globalizing world, by participating in international initiatives, new technologies, innovations and standards can be brought into the country. Imagine that neighboring Georgia and Armenia speak and report on their successes and services provided to the population, and we are watching from the outside. Therefore, the government should urgently begin the process of implementing the National Action Plan in accordance with the OGP resolution. All interested parties should be involved in the process. And for this, restrictions in the form of changes in legislation on grants and NGOs should be lifted. In turn, civil society should actively participate in the process and work to educate the society.