Azernews.Az

BAKU – The delegation of the European Union has opened bids for non-governmental organizations to implement civil society programs in Azerbaijan, with a combined allocation of around 2 million manats ($2.5 million).

The allocation "continues a long tradition of support to Azerbaijani civil society and reflects on the EU's commitment to human rights and poverty reduction", according to the EU Delegation to Azerbaijan.

The first Call for Proposals is funded by the European Instrument of Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR) with an allocation of €1.2 million. It will support civil society efforts to improve national legislation and its implementation in the field of democracy and human rights. The initiative will also support human rights defenders involved in the promotion of civil, political, social, economic and cultural rights and assist civil society efforts to promote environmental awareness and rights to clean environment.

The second Call for Proposals, with an allocation of €700,000 from the Non-State Actors in Development (NSA) program, will promote civil society organizations advocacy efforts towards local and national government in implementing sustainable development strategies. It will also support vulnerable and excluded groups most exposed to poverty in rural areas.

Since 2006, over €4.7 million have been granted under these two instruments in Azerbaijan.