Azeri govt announces rules for foreign NGOs` registration
BAKU – The Azerbaijani government has announced rules for registering foreign non-governmental organizations in the country.
According to the regulations, issued by the Cabinet of Ministers, foreign NGOs’ subsidiaries or representations are to apply to the Justice Ministry in writing to begin discussions on drafting an agreement on state registration. The applications must indicate the purpose of the organization’s operation in Azerbaijan and substantiate the contribution it will make to Azerbaijani society.
After the required documents are submitted, the Justice Ministry is to send an enquiry to relevant government agencies. If the government agencies issue positive feedback, the ministry will begin discussions with the NGO in question.
The NGOs have to comply with Azerbaijan’s Constitution and laws; cannot operate in the country’s territories occupied in the aftermath of the armed conflict with Armenia or forge any ties with the separatist regime in the Armenia-occupied Nagorno Karabakh region; and are not allowed to engage in political or religious propaganda.
If the bidder fails to meet the requirements, the discussions will be halted and the Foreign Ministry will be informed to that end, according to the regulations.
The document also says that if registered foreign NGOs violate the regulations, they bear responsibility for such violations in accord with Azerbaijan’s legislation.