Updates

In July 2024, several changes were made to the process of reporting and approval of grant contracts, as well as financial reporting.

The decision comes after the body voted not to ratify the Azeri delegation’s credentials.

Azerbaijan was downgraded to partially compliant on Recommendation 8.

Small organisations will face additional challenges when it comes to their financial sustainability due to the new Tax Code amendments.

The government announced a flurry of changes for state-funded civil society projects.

The state sets forth new 2023-2026 plans to expand social service provision jointly with CSOs.

Azerbaijan is no longer part of the global partnership of 75 countries and 104 local governments working with thousands of CSOs to promote transparent, participatory and accountable governance.

The police used excessive force and unnecessary pepper spray, raising concerns about the proportionality of their actions.

One of the new rules is expected to positively affect CSOs, as it reduces tax burdens, but harsher penalties will be applied for violations of media laws.

Changes will affect civil society members and CSOs conducting media activities, threatening with high penalties for violating vaguely worded provisions.

Counter-terrorism financing measures need to be based on evidence of existing risk and targeted to it, not broad, blanket restrictions.

The Media Law introduces new concepts and increases state control and regulation of the media, raising serious concerns about its compliance with international human rights standards.