What to Expect from Hikmet Hajiyev’s Meeting with Hundreds of Pro-government NGOs?

Baku / 29.08.20 / Turan: On August 26 and 28, the assistant to the President of Azerbaijan, head of the foreign policy department of the administration, Hikmet Hajiyev, held online conferences with representatives of about 100 NGOs.

The head of the Citizen public association for research and development Gunel Safarova answered Turan's questions about these meetings.

Currently, there is a revival, understanding the role of civil society, the authorities are trying to maintain control over this area, Safarova said, answering the question of what was the purpose of these meetings.

“There were few independent NGOs among the participants. Most of the representatives were pro-government NGOs cooperating with the NGO Council, ”she said.

-What is the state of the country's civil society? In response, Safarova said that in February 2014 amendments to the law “On non-governmental organizations (public associations and foundations)” were adopted, which made it impossible for independent activities of NGOs. After that, active persecution of the leaders of independent NGOs began.

At the same time, with the participation of the NGO Council, a network of pro-government NGOs was created. The government decided to take full control of civil society.

Despite the restrictions, an independent civil society survived and did not cease its activities. In fact, the opposite effect occurred. Independent NGOs continued to receive funding through service contracts. NGOs regularly worked in the regions, especially with young people. Now this process has weakened.

Is the attitude of the authorities towards civil society changing? To this question, Safarova said that it is possible to talk about a change if there are concrete steps.

“If the law on NGOs is changed, then it will be possible to talk about an improvement in the attitude of the authorities towards civil society, the return of foreign donors and international organizations to the country will begin, and a free environment for civil society will be created. Then it will be possible to believe in the sincerity of the authorities,” Safarova said.

Separately, it should be said about the Council of State Support for NGOs, consisting of 11 people. These are representatives of NGOs - 8 people and government agencies - 3 people. The term of office of the members of the Council is 4 years. The last appointment took place on April 20, 2016. So, the meeting with Hajiyev was attended by the leadership and members of the Council of State Support of NGOs, whose term of office has expired. How is this possible? Back in April, the composition of the Council was supposed to change, but already at the end of August. How can you talk about the development of NGOs with those whose powers have expired? Development is about changes and criticism. And we have those who criticize attacked and insulted by trolls,” Safarova said.

Political institutions, civil society actors and media in Azerbaijan have been deliberately weakened by the authorities for a long time.

”Try to start an NGO and you will see the obstacles you face. Of course, the negative role of Ali Hasanov, who controlled this sphere for many years, is undeniable. But no positive results will be achieved if the new team continues to manage the old methods.

 If the person who once led this area is to blame, then let the reformers come up with an initiative to amend the law on NGOs. Then we will believe in the promises to reform this area.

Today, among the ministers, deputies and officials there are many who at one time received grants from international funds and in considerable amounts. "

What can be expected from the meeting of Hikmet Hajiyev with NGO representatives? To this question, Safarova said that Ali Hasanov also met with NGOs in 2012. After that, the persecution of independent NGOs began.

The day before the tightening of the law on public organizations and foundations in 2014, a formal discussion was held on the amendments to the law, and all representatives of civil society expressed their objections. And what has changed? Nothing! The authorities should stop doing formalism. Now there is no such situation as in 2014, and reforms need content.

We will believe in the authorities' aspirations for changes when the current law is changed, they stop monitoring civil society activists, and create a free environment for them.

What improvements can we talk about if NGOs must obtain permission from the Presidential Administration and the local executive structure when they want to hold an event in the region? If you need to get a letter of approval from the state committee or ministry to register an NGO?

* Citizen Public Association was created on May 31, 2005, having received state registration from the Ministry of Justice. The purpose of the organization is to spread democratic values, strengthen civic initiative in various fields, and conduct monitoring, polls and conferences. -0-