Representatives of several NGOs held a press conference on the recent arrests of activists. Participants noted a steady deterioration of situation in the institutions of civil society over the last 4-5 years. The situation worsened particularly after amendments to the legislation at the end of last year. The recent arrests of prominent activists, freezing their bank accounts have caused serious concern among civil society. "Charges against these people have been falsified, their arrests were illegal, and we will protect the rights by all legitimate means," said a member of the Center for Economic Research Gubad Ibadoglu.
He also condemned the pro-government media that insult and discredit civil society and its prominent representatives. To solve the problems of civil society its consolidation and dialogue with the authorities is important. The meeting approved the idea of setting up a working group to address the issue of political prisoners. The press conference participants rejected the accusations of the authorities in the use of foreign grants to "anti-state activities." Reduction of the aid of foreign donors was noted. For example, last year only 35% of grants were allocated to civil society by international donors. At the same time, 90% of the grants received formal structures and pro-government NGOs.
Currently, various ministries of the country themselves implement 51 projects funded by foreign grants. They were received from the EU, Germany, South Korea, Japan and others. "When the grants are given to official pro-government structures and NGOs, there is no "secret deals", and 10% of grants provided for independent NGOs immediately become anti-state," said Ibadoglu.
The press conference condemned the search for "spies" in the NGO sector. "We do not understand these arrests, and the world does not understand them. The civilian sector in Azerbaijan has never been so heavy as it is now, " said the human rights activist Arzu Abdullayeva. She believes that the situation can be changed by means of dialogue, which is necessary between civil society and the authorities.
With regard to the Working Group on the political prisoners, the representatives of civil in this group should choose civil society itself, and not the government should appoint them. The group should be formed on the basis of discussions between representatives of civil society, government and the Council of Europe, said Abdullayeva.-05C-
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Azerbaijan's Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources (MENR) has reported large-scale efforts to restore forests across the country, planting tens of thousands of saplings to expand forested areas. However, critics claim that the ministry simultaneously facilitates deforestation by leasing land to private companies.
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On Sunday, December 22, changeable cloudy weather is expected in Baku and the Absheron Peninsula. Drizzle is possible during the night and morning in some areas of the peninsula. Moderate southwest winds will prevail. The air temperature will be 5-8°C at night and 9-11°C during the day, according to the National Hydrometeorological Service of the Ministry of Ecology.
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Baku, often called the "Caucasian Dubai," is increasingly known for systematic violations of residents' housing rights. During urban renovations and the construction of elegant new buildings, thousands of families in Azerbaijan’s capital have been unlawfully deprived of their homes. Many, recognizing the futility of resistance, settle for inadequate monetary compensation for their irreplaceable property. A minority, placing faith in the Housing Code, demand fair compensation from construction companies but often lose everything—both their homes and any form of recompense.
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Azerbaijani team prepares to compete in three prestigious international Olympiads The preparation of young programmers representing Azerbaijan in international Olympiads continues successfully. In collaboration with Azercell, the Ministry of Science and Education, and the Institute of Education, the latest “Informatics Camp” was held at the Baku Higher Oil School.
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