Head of OSCE Office issues statement about proposed amendments to the Azerbaijani Law on NGOs

BAKU, 17 June 2009 - The Head of the OSCE Office in Baku, Ambassador Bilge Cankorel, issued the following statement today:

"My Office is concerned about the prospects of the adoption on Friday, 19 June 2009, of amendments to the Azerbaijani Law on non-governmental organizations (NGOs), which might adversely affect the functioning of NGOs in the country and could therefore lead to the undermining of the full exercise of the rights to freedom of association and expression.

"Consequently, we consider it would be wisest at this stage to postpone the consideration by the Parliament of the current proposals since the adoption of the said amendments could contradict OSCE commitments and other applicable international standards. We further believe that public consultations, in particular with those who might be affected by the legislation under consideration, as well as consultation with relevant international experts would be advisable in the process.

"The OSCE stands ready to further assist, as required, in ensuring that the amendments are in line with OSCE commitments and other applicable international standards."