![Legislation on NGOs does not comply with CE and OSCE standards - examination](https://turan.az/resized/750/500/resize/media/2017/main/081400004015.jpg)
Legislation on NGOs does not comply with CE and OSCE standards - examination
Baku / 14.08.17 / Turan: Within the framework of the criminal case investigated by the Investigation Department for Serious Crimes of the Azerbaijani Prosecutor General's Office from 2014, 10 foreign NGOs have been subject to tax fines and freezing of bank accounts. Similar sanctions were also applied in and against 17 local NGOs. The total amount of tax sanctions was AZN 3 million, reads the conclusion released today by the Elections Monitoring and Democracy"s Studies Center (EMDS) entitled: "Legal restrictions on the activities of civil society structures in Azerbaijan". The problem was investigated in the light of the practices of the countries included in the EU Eastern Partnership (Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia, Ukraine and Belarus.)
The analysis sought to identify shortcomings in Azerbaijani legislation in this area.
The report states that because of the criminal case against NGOs, 10 local NGOs, as well as 26 civil activists and journalists, were banned from leaving the country. It is also stated that Azerbaijani legislation does not meet the standards of the Council of Europe and the OSCE. The difference lies in the numerous limitations.
"The legislation of Azerbaijan is very long for registration of NGOs and they contradict the recommendations of the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe. In addition, there are no reasons for refusing registration, "the report said.
There are also serious problems for financing NGOs, and especially from foreign sources.
"In Azerbaijan, a two-step registration is required for financing NGOs by foreign donors. At the same time, the criteria for registration are vague and give the government agencies broad powers.
Sanctions against NGOs are more extensive than in other countries of the Eastern Partnership.
In addition, the basis for forcible stoppage of activities or liquidation of NGOs is arbitrary," the report concluded.
Local legislation on NGOs is contrary to Article 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights (freedom of association), recommendations of the Council of Europe and the Venice Commission. In conclusion, nine recommendations were put forward to the government, which include simplifying the registration of NGOs and grants, facilitating financing, and mitigating sanctions against public associations.
The official structures have not yet responded to the report. However, the government rejects criticism due to the unfavorable environment for NGOs, pressure on civil society. -06D-
Social
-
An online meeting of civil society activists focused on the human rights situation in Azerbaijan, convened on the initiative of the Justice Solidarity Committee, highlighted significant concerns over the detention of journalists, political activists, and opponents of the war. The gathering, held on August 30, coincided with the International Day of Remembrance of the Missing and underscored the ongoing challenges facing both Azerbaijani and Armenian societies in the wake of the Karabakh conflicts.
-
No precipitation is expected in Baku and on the Absheron Peninsula; the northwestern wind will change to a southeastern wind during the day. Air temperatures will range from 21-26°C at night and 33-38°C during the day, according to the National Hydrometeorology Service of the Ministry of Ecology.
-
A fire has erupted at the Experimental and Testing Production of the Scientific Research Institute of SOCAR (the state oil company) in the Surakhani district of Baku, the Ministry of Emergency Situations reported. "Thanks to the urgent and necessary measures taken by the Ministry of Emergency Situations, the spread of the fire to neighboring areas, including nearby residential buildings, has been prevented," the statement reads. Efforts to extinguish the fire are still ongoing.
-
In September, the average monthly air temperature in Azerbaijan is expected to be close to the climatic norm. Precipitation levels will also be near the norm, but in some areas, they will exceed it, according to the September forecast from the National Hydrometeorological Service.
Leave a review