10 December, in the Hotel Europe, the World Democracy Movement began a two days International Conference on the subject of “Development of relations between Government and Civil Society”.

Representatives from the diplomatic corps, and local and international organizations participated in the conference. Law Education Society Head Intigam Aliyev, representative of Malopoloska Education Union Alicja Derkovska, and the World Democracy Movement representative Ryota Jonen opened the session.

Law Education Society Chairman Intigam Aliyev said that although government representatives were invited to the event, they did not participate in the conference. He said that various topics (“Legal basis of activity of civil society”, Celebration of  International Human Rights Day – Human Rights in Azerbaijan today “, “Role of the Human Rights national organizations in the development of human rights”) in the sector of human rights will be discussed during the two day event.

Norwegian Ambassador Jon Ramberg said that Norway allocates more grants to Azerbaijan in comparison with other countries and the purpose is to develop democracy to a higher level in Azerbaijan .

The Council of Europe’s special representative to Azerbaijan , Veronica Koteck said that one of the main attributes of the democracy is to have a dialog between the civil society and the government, and emphasized that it is important to have a dialog within the civil society.

The Institute for Reporters’ Freedom and Safety (IRFS) Chairman Emin Huseynov said that if these events are not broadcast on the television channels, they will not play any role in the development of the civil society.

The “League to Defend Citizens’ Labor Rights” Chairman Sahib Mammadov said that the Law “On non-governmental organizations” should be simplified and the representatives of the non-governmental organizations should take several measures in this sector. Through our support, they can achieve the change in the law and its adoption in the parliament.

The International Conference will continue its work tomorrow on 11 December.

Photo:

http://www.irfs. az/component/ option,com_ datsogallery/ Itemid,30/ func,viewcategor y/catid,388/ lang,az/

 When using this material please attribute it to the Institute for Reporters' Freedom and Safety.