Support Civil Society and Freedom of Association (MN0059)

What problem does the commitment aim to address? Create legal environment that forms a space for citizens to assemble, freedom of expression, provide a space for civil society to work independently of the government, and the open and transparent working conditions for civil society organizations.

What are the causes of the problem? 1.The Law on Non-Governmental Organizations does not meet the needs and requirements of today's not-for-profit organizations, as well as international standards, needs, and requirements. 2.There is a need to comply with common international requirements, standards, and principles for the operation of non-governmental organizations to be open and transparent.

What has been done so far to solve the problem? 1.Drafts on the revision of the Law on Non-Governmental Organizations, Laws on the Legal Status of the Associations and Laws on the Legal Status of the Professional Associations were developed and submitted to the Parliament. 2.The plan for implementation of the recommendations submitted by the UN Human Rights Council and the National Action Plan for the implementation of business and human rights management principles were approved.

What solution are you proposing? 1.Revise and improve the articles and provisions in the currently effective laws, rules and regulations that undermine the conditions for citizens to assemble, freedom of expression, provide a space for civil society to work independently of the government, and the open and transparent working conditions for civil society organizations. 2.Improve the rules and regulations related to recording financial and activity reports, evaluating results and effects, and disclosing activities of non-governmental organizations that are implementing some functions of the state. 3.The government should support the activities of civil societies and coalitions that are engaged in activities that benefit the public.

What results do we want to achieve by implementing this commitment? A legal framework will be created that forms the conditions for citizens' association, freedom of expression, and transparency and openness of civil society activities.

Milestones | Expected Outputs | Expected Completion Dates

3.1.Ensure citizens' rights to association and freedom of expression, create legal guarantees for civil society's independence of the government and financial stability, and improve laws that create exclusion and problems in the civic space. | The legal framework for ensuring human rights, independent and financially stable functioning of civil society will be improved, and national benchmarks will be created to measure the civic space. | 2024-2025

3.2.Inclusion in the Development Programs on issues, such as international fundamental principles of civil society, values, responsibilities, and how the government supports civil society community and its service activities. | -The policy to develop statecivil society partnership and to ensure human rights, which includes the international fundamental principles, and values of civil society will be improved. -Support, assistance and legal guarantees for working together as a civil society coalition and network will be formed. | 2024-2025

3.3.Approve procedures for ensuring transparency, reporting and evaluation of the financial and operational activities of non-governmental organizations that are implementing some of the functions of the state. | Regulation for reporting and evaluating activities of civil society will be clarified. | 2024-2025

3.4.Disclosure of information on contracts, funding, and work results of non-governmental organizations that received funding from the budget. | The activities of nongovernmental organizations financed by state and local budget funds will become public. | 2024-2025