The Democratization Unit of the OSCE Office in Baku monitors the development of pluralistic democracy in Azerbaijan in accordance with OSCE participating State commitments, and co-operates with the Government and civil society on institution- and capacity-building programmes. Its work addresses media freedom and development, electoral assistance, freedom of assembly, civil society development and gender equality.

Democratic governance

The Unit promotes government transparency, accountability, and civic participation in legislative processes including the development of a Code of Ethics for Members of Parliament (MPs), and improved communication between MPs and constituents.

Media freedom and development

The Unit supports the development of a professional media sector across Azerbaijan and an unrestricted media environment, where diverse points of view on public interest matters can flourish, and strives to build the capacity of journalists, civil society, and Government representatives. Specifically, the Unit is co-operating with the Azerbaijani Press Council to advocate for new legislation to decriminalize defamation and libel,  as well as with the Ministry of Education in order to revise the National Standards on Journalism Education. Further, the Unit conducts media development activities for journalists, government, civil society, and the public including training for youth in citizen journalism and social media and co-operates The Unit also promotes improved public access to official information through facilitating dialogue, training and the exchange of international experience for government spokespersons and journalists.

Electoral assistance

The Unit promotes political pluralism and a free and fair election environment in accordance with recommendations from the Office of Democratic Institutions and Human Rights' election observation missions. Specifically the Unit facilitates high-level dialogue and international expertise on issues of candidate registration, the election complaint process, and new legislation regulating political parties. In addition, the Unit stimulates public participation and greater awareness of democratic principles through discussion seminars across Azerbaijan as well as leadership training for young people.

Gender equality

The Unit co-operates closely with the State Committee on Family, Women and Children’s Affairs in promoting the implementation of the new Law on the Prevention of Domestic Violence. In addition to organizing awareness-raising roundtables on this issue across Azerbaijan, the Unit supports conferences, training for the staff of newly established shelters and a nationwide hotline for domestic violence victims.

Civil society support

Given that a strong, vibrant civil society is central to democratic governance, civil society development is a core objective of the Unit’s work. Training and professional development topics for the current period include international advocacy, assessment and report writing, and effective engagement with international human rights mechanisms.