During the four-day session of the National Assembly held this week, one of the problematic matters was the debate of the package of drafts on the law of “Non-governmental organizations” submitted by the government. In particular, according to the amendments, a separation will be made whether the NGO is funded by public resources or a private funding. Eventually, the Parliament approved the amendments. NGOs’ position in this respect is not unequivocal, however, the amendments adopted by the Parliament are mostly welcomed by the NGOs.
Artur Sakunts, Head of Helsinki Citizens’ Assembly Vanadzor Office, is generally satisfied with these legislative amendments. In the interview with Aravot.am, he said, “The adoption of the draft to make amendments to the law was important because all the concerns that the draft could be modified in a way that the degree of the control of the government over the NGOs will increase is dispelled.” Mr. Sakunts is pleased that we escaped the worst possible scenario, which we saw in Russia or other post-Soviet countries: in Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan, the majority of parliamentarians also welcomed these amendments.
Note that the issue of auditing NGOs was a principle in the package of amendments. Mr. Sakunts said in this respect, “It was enshrined that the NGO that are only funded by the state budget can be exposed to auditing.” But there are still expectations to come, “There should be a clear distinction in the law regarding the recognition to act for the protection of public interests by NGOs, but this is still to come during the future works.” Artur Sakunts said that it is important that the Ministry of Justice submitted the option discussed with NGOs for many years.
Tatev HARUTYUNYAN
