Freedom House calls Azerbaijan not to restrain work of NGOs

The International Human Rights Organization named "Freedom House" has called the parliament of Azerbaijan to reject the draft of amendments to the legislation of the country, which, in the opinion of human rights activists, will restrict the opportunities of national and foreign nongovernmental organizations (NGOs).

The "Caucasian Knot" has already reported about the Azerbaijani amendments proposed to the Law "On Nongovernmental Associations (Foundations)", which caused serious criticism by members of civil society.

The press release of the Freedom House says that the amendments to the law require that NGOs shall pass obligatory registration, thus, giving more chances to the authorities to reject registration, as the BBC reports.

The statement of Leila Yunus, Director of the Institute of Peace and Democracy, that has arrived to the office of the "Caucasian Knot", and also dealing with these amendments, appeals the NGOs of Azerbaijan to counteract the actions of the authorities to infringe the civil society by means of sending appeals and protest letters to the managerial bodies of the European Community, democratic countries and free media. 

Terry Davis, Secretary General of Council of Europe, Samuel Zbogar, Head of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, Luis Maria de Puch, President of the PACE, and Director of the Human Rights Watch have called the authorities of Azerbaijan to postpone their decision-making on the proposed amendments.

"Azerbaijani youth organizations voice against amendments to Law on NGOs," "Azerbaijani NGOs create committee in defence of civil society," "Azerbaijan: amendments to Law on NGOs are assessed differently."