CPCS expressed its attitude towards the latest limitations of NGO activities

Baku / 25.04.17 / Turan: The Committee to Protect Civil Society (CPCS)  held a meeting today, which discussed the next obstacles for the activities of NGOs, as well as continuing violations of the property rights of citizens.

Members of the Committee noted the practical paralysis of the activities of NGOs, even those financed from the state budget. The introduced amendments to the law "On Non-cash  calculations", which prohibit the cash settlements of NGOs, led to the suspension of work on the projects.

The Chamber for the Supervision of Financial Markets gave restrictive instructions to banks to withdraw cash that went beyond the law. Banks apply this order of the Chamber, which prohibits cashing funds received under a public procurement contract, and grants to NGOs.

Another problem is the mandatory examination of service contracts by the relevant body, which hampers the process of starting work, and even their implementation.

The Committee's concern was caused by an open violation of the rights of owners of private housing in the demolished quarters of Sovetskaya Street and other parts of Baku. There is still a lack of transparent mechanisms for interaction between owners and the state. Many issues are resolved on the basis of verbal decisions and actions of dubious persons hired by the state.

The CPCS considers it necessary to build such relations on the basis of open dialogue and public accountability, and calls on the authorities to act in accordance with the laws and the constitution of the country. -0—