Azerbaijan does not create conditions for the activities of non-governmental organizations. For every thousand citizens account for 3 NGOs, while in Georgia - 22, not to mention the former socialist countries in Europe. So in Lithuania there are 53 per one thousand people, in Slovakia - 60, in the Czech Republic - 67, etc.
According to the Ministry of Justice on 1 April this year, the country registered 2,750 NGOs, with operating 293. At the end of 2011, it reported 293 NGOs with 484 grants totaling 32.9 million manats. Thus, the average annual turnover for each frame was 11,636 manats.
These figures were given at the presentation of the annual report, "Civil Society in Azerbaijan: a national schedule for change", prepared by the Center for Economic Research at the organizational and financial support of the Open Society Institute (Soros Foundation) and Marshall Fund (Germany).
According to the head of Center for Economic Research, Gubad Ibadoglu, 30% of active NGOs are engaged in science, 11% work with children and young people, 7% - in tourism and culture, 6% - in human rights, the same number – in social problems, and 5% deal with media problems and health, and 4% - support NGOs and work with the environment.
NGOs also deal with international cooperation, municipalities, women's issues, refugees and migrants. Very little interest is in economic development, agriculture, anti-corruption, investment climate, and other "nonsense."
The major problem on the way to becoming a full-fledged non-governmental sector is bulky, stretching endlessly registration procedure, the intervention of the authorities (mainly in the regions) in the case of NGOs, the burden of taxes and social contributions, little influence on the political decision-making, etc.
To overcome the problems it is important, first of all, the application of the principle of a single window for registration of NGOs, foundations and simplifying registration of foreign NGOs, preservation of the right of the Ministry of Justice, and a reduction in the registration fee, a simplified legal framework for the registration of associations of NGOs.
The package of proposals for registration includes discontinuing the approval of changes in the Charter of Justice NGO without affecting their names and purposes, as well as the creation of an electronic public register, virtual reporting on grant agreements.
It is recommended to reduce social security contributions for employees hired under the grant from 22 to 15%, to exempt from VAT services through grants, increase the amount of state aid, relieving the tax-for-profit NGOs and the conclusion of the civil acts. The government could reduce the tax burden on businesses, supporting NGOs and implementing welfare programs. There is a need for national financial donor institutions and trustee funds.
In the area of transparency, national grantors should not only publish announcements and winners, but also the results of competitions, it must be possible to appeal the action grants. Important is preparation of the Charter of transparency and accountability of NGOs, said Ibadoglu. - 17D-
Social
-
The International Coalition for Democratic Renewal (ICDR) and Forum 2000 Foundation expressed grave concerns over the escalating repression of civil society in Azerbaijan, issuing a joint statement. The groups highlighted the government's intensified crackdown on lawyers, journalists, activists, and human rights defenders, painting a stark picture of a country where dissenting voices are systematically silenced.
-
The Times Higher Education (THE), a leading international organization with an audience of 60 million and ranked among the world's top 100 networks in the field of education and skills assessment, has published a comprehensive article titled “Calls for the Release of Azerbaijani Scholar as Climate Summit Begins.” THE, known for its annual ranking of world universities, notes that while a major fossil fuel producer hosts a gathering of global leaders, it is cracking down on dissenters. Human rights groups are urging the Azerbaijani government, which is hosting the COP29 climate conference, to release a scholar detained after criticizing fossil fuel policies.
-
On Thursday, overcast weather is expected in the capital will be overcast, with light rain possible in the morning. There will be a moderate southeast wind. The temperature at night will be between +8 and +10°C, and during the day, it will range from +12 to +15°C. Humidity will be 65-75% both at night and during the day. Precipitation will occur in the eastern part of the country. There may be fog in some areas, with a moderate east wind.
-
On November 12, the summit of world leaders commenced at the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Baku. According to "Euronews," citing sources from the UN, the event is attended by around 100 heads of state.
Leave a review