OSCE Office in Baku

The OSCE Office in Baku is actively involved in civil society initiatives and develops institution-building programmes in co-operation with the Government and independent groups. The main areas of focus are elections and democratic governance, civil society development, gender mainstreaming and anti-trafficking.

Elections

In its final report on the October 2003 presidential elections, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) called for revisions to the Electoral Code and offered specific recommendations. The ODHIR has supported the implementation of these recommendations and the Office in Baku is now assisting with further legal reform for elections and with helping to build the capacity of national institutions and civil society actors in the electoral field.

Civil society

The Office supports the development of civil society, providing NGOs with training support and facilitating their registration process. A focus is placed on creating and reinforcing links between civil society groups and the Government, and encouraging the creation of self-sustainable civil society organizations and their integration into the national political scene.

Gender equality

The Office is working to introduce gender mainstreaming in Azerbaijan and supports the Government and civil society in promoting gender equality mechanisms through the National Action Plan on Gender Equality. It is assisting in particular the State Committee on Women's Issues with introducing the Law on Domestic Violence and with establishing women's counselling centres across the country. The Office also supports the ODHIR women's network in Azerbaijan.

Anti-trafficking

The National Action Plan to Combat Trafficking in Human Beings was adopted in 2004. The implementation of major parts of it is on-going, particularly those parts that provide support for victims and a basis for prosecuting traffickers. The Office, together with the Government of Azerbaijan, prepared the Action Plan in co-operation with the International Organization for Migration and the Council of Europe.

The Office provides training for law enforcement officers and NGOs with specific responsibilities under the Action Plan and will help provide equipment needed for shelters and police anti-trafficking activities.

It is also helping to strengthen the ability of NGOs to raise public awareness and provide protection for potential victims of trafficking. Meetings are organized to help describe the Action Plan, co-ordinate the work of NGOs and increase awareness of the scope of activity the problem demands.

The Office has assisted with NGO awareness-raising projects and is supporting the creation of two NGOs that will run a national toll-free helpline and the country's first secure shelter for victims.