Azerbaijan Republic since becoming a member of Council of Europe has taken obligation concerning the implementation of anti-corruption measures in the country, where is gravely lurching in corruption. “Corruption is one of the most unsurmountable, poignant and delicate problems of our country. Azerbaijan, as one of the countries in transition, where democracy and rule of law have not been fully established, suffers from corruption, which impedes its economic development and intensifies social inequality” says Nadir Adilov, the chairman of the Azerbaijan Young Lawyers Union (AYLU). (22-FEB-2005)
Under the Presidential decree the law on Anti-corruption entered into force in January 2005. “It’s very important to raise awareness of population on anti-corruption law in order to ensure the effectiveness of the implementation of law. Azerbaijan Young Lawyers Union (AYLU) decided to implement certain measures and programs for formation of public opinion on importance of Anti-Corruption law” Mr. Adilov underlined.
Young Lawyers Against Corruption
Realizing the challenges for resolving the corruption problem, AYLU planned to popularize and raise public awareness about adopted legal acts on corruption (local, regional and international), monitor the compliance of new legislation in sphere of corruption with international norms, and render legal enlightenment and education in the field of legislation on struggle against corruption
Thanks to the financial support of the OSCE office in Baku, the AYLU launched the project, Young Lawyers Against Corruption. Speaking about the project Mr. Adilov noted that the project duration is expected to be one year and the future financing of the project by other donor organizations is also expected. “Under the project 12 round tables, once a month each, should be held and the topic of all round tables should reflect the articles of law on combating corruption. So far, AYLU has held three roundtables. Besides, it is planned to conduct two Talk Shows, debates on one of the TV channels, which will serve for the enlightment and information of the society. One of the most interesting moments of the project is monitoring of state program and legislation and it is planned to disclose the results of monitoring upon the completion of the project” the AYLU chairman said.
Round table on corruption prevention
18 February 2005 within the framework of the project AYLU together with the assistance of OSCE office in Baku and ABA CEELI arranged a Round Table on State Agencies’ Struggle against Corruption. The representatives of Azerbaijani government, parliament, law-enforcement bodies, NGOs, Mass Media, international organizations and diplomatic community attended the event.
In the course of the discussions Maurizio Pavezi, head of Baku OSCE office, has cited information of International Transparency organization about high corruption level in Azerbaijan. This evil has affected actually all systems of the government, including courts, Prosecutor’s Office, police and other agencies. Mr. Pavezi underscored the importance of informing population about anti-corruption legislation.
Nazir Bayramov, senior assistant of General Prosecutor of Azerbaijan, said that legal basis has been established in the country to prevent corruption and Prosecutor’s Office is ready to take required measures in this direction.
Bas Srinan, representative of American embassy in Baku, noted that the American lawyers helped to draft the appropriate legislation. Particularly, the legislation on money laundering has been drafted and submitted to the Cabinet, she added.
Paul Bauron, representative of U.S. Justice Department, said that the corruption prevention will not bring desirable results, until law on money laundering enters into force.-0-
Detailed information about the project is accessible at www.anticorruption.az
Background info on AYLU
Founded in February 19, 1999 Azerbaijan Young Lawyers’ Union (AYLU) is a non-governmental and non-profit youth organization. AYLU unites about 100 law students, masters and young practicing lawyers around itself. The mission of AYLU is reinforcing of human rights situation through promotion and research of human rights, freedoms and legal issues in Azerbaijan and for the contemporary period. The main goal of the Union is to study contemporary issues of human rights and freedoms, legal problems and agitating them among youth.
Recent awards
Azerbaijan Young Lawyers’ Union was awarded with two different diplomas on the occasion of Youth Day on 2 February 2005. The Ministry of Youth, Sport and Tourism granted diploma to AYLU for its activity in the field of “Implementation of State Youth Policy and legal enlightenment of youth”.
On the same day, AYLU received one more Honorary Award, granted by the National Assembly of Youth Organizations (NAYO) for “Distinction in implementation of youth work and active position in the issue of protection of youth interests”.
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