No light seen at the end of the tunnel for foreign funding
The problems with civil society in Azerbaijan still continues and actually n to be allowed by the government. The new amendments adopted by the parliament signed by the president, however, no yet practical application of the law. Everything is frozen and nothing yet moved from the deadlock
Still several months ahead seem to be there for the preparations of the new instructions and decisions. The government and the new law mostly implies to give a vent to local funding. However, I do not think it may be sufficient or relevant for the need of the civil society.
Apart from this, no democracy and human rights projects may get an approval for implementation.
Anyway, the civil society should survive and will seek finding ways to comply with the law and at the same time be able to implement projects. Conditions are very harsh and unprecedented, which limits the civil society in its rights. There are discussions for NGOs to migrate to other countries and operate from there.
“Region” International Analytical Center, founded and managed by me encounters problems as well. Now we’re discussing ways on how to stay afloat and continue contributing to civil society development in Azerbaijan. Each day passes, gives a sign of hardening the situation and light tunnels are being filled with black coals.