The Azerbaijan National NGO Forum has released a statement regarding violations in the formation of Public Councils and the abuse of membership.
AZERTAC presents the statement: “The Azerbaijan National NGO Forum has observed flagrant violations in the formation of Public Councils under several state institutions, particularly local executive authorities. In some cases, institutions have established Public Councils—which are intended to be elected bodies—through appointments, even issuing internal orders to this effect. The Azerbaijan National NGO Forum asserts that such practices contravene the Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan “On Public Participation.”
Our analysis reveals that approximately 25 percent of the existing Public Councils under central executive authorities currently consist of the same individuals. Reports indicating that certain foreign donors and individuals influenced by Western embassies, who act against Azerbaijan, use various methods to secure positions on Public Councils under state institutions, misuse this status, exceed their mandates, and collect information by acting as “grant intermediaries” are a cause for concern. Additionally, there are claims that some Western embassies have donated vehicles to NGOs represented on Public Councils in Azerbaijan as part of efforts to exert control over them.
The Azerbaijan National NGO Forum emphasizes the need to ensure that Public Councils operate in compliance with the Law “On Public Participation.” These councils must serve only the public interest, ensure public oversight, and eliminate cases of misconduct in their formation and activities.”
