Baku, June 24
AssA-Irada

Some of the proposed changes to Azerbaijan’s law on non-governmental organizations should be revisited anew, the head of the Presidential Administration socio-political department, Ali Hasanov, has told AssA-Irada.

The parliament is preparing to introduce a number of amendments and addenda to the law that have drawn criticism from both the local and international community. Opponents of the legislative changes include the OSCE, the Council of Europe, US rights watchdog Freedom House and other international organizations as well as the Azerbaijani Ombudsperson and numerous local groups. They believe that the changes could adversely affect the functioning of NGOs in the country and therefore restrict citizens’ right to exercise freedom of association and expression.

According to Hasanov, certain provisions of the law on NGOs fall short of the present-day requirements for the development of civil society in Azerbaijan. Therefore, there are indeed grounds for discontent from some NGOs in this regard.

The presidential administration official noted that some of the envisioned amendments could also hurt the country’s image on the world stage. “From this viewpoint, in my opinion, some of the changes envisaged for the Law on NGOs should be revisited again.”

Hasanov shares the concern expressed by some lawmakers but believes the issue will find its solution in the long run. “I believe that NGOs’ discussions on this issue, their appeals as well as participation in parliament will lead to striking a certain common ground on the matter.”

Hasanov voiced hope that the views of the local and international community would be taken into consideration during the parliamentary debate on June 30. “I think that proposals to be stated during those discussions should definitely be taken into account and some of the provisions reconsidered. Azerbaijan’s image is at stake here.” The head of the OSCE Baku office has urged to postpone discussions on proposed changes to the law in parliament, while the Council of Europe said it was “very concerned” about some of the changes, calling on the authorities to postpone the decision on the amendments. Scores of local NGOs have vehemently opposed the measure as well.

The amendments and addenda envision more financial accountability. They require local NGOs to undergo audits and issue transparent financial reports. Furthermore, the bill stipulates that, if over half of NGOs’ capital is formed on account of foreign donors, their operation will be halted; organizations failing to register with the state will not be allowed to operate; and opening a local representation by foreign NGOs will require an inter-governmental agreement between their home country and Azerbaijan.