On December 4, 2014 a meeting with the participation of the Minister of Justice Mr. Menglieev Rustam Shomurotovich and CSOs (media, civil society organizations, the donor community, parties, etc.) was held in the building of the Ministry of Justice, the Republic of Tajikistan. The purpose of this meeting was a discussion of Amendments and Additions to the Law “On Public Associations” (hereinafter referred to as Draft law) of the Republic of Tajikistan, drafted by the Ministry of Justice of Tajikistan. In this meeting, the participants expressed their concern about the initiatives of the Republic of Tajikistan on adjustment and restriction of NGOs’ access to financial assistance. It should be noted that comments and suggestions to the law, including the Ministry of Justice, were made by the participants, where comments were taken into account by the Ministry of Justice. But we will see how well they will be considered after the approval of the Law, or in the following steps of upcoming meetings.  

We remind you that this draft law, which is currently under consideration of the Government of Tajikistan, contradicts with international standards and is a threat to the activities of NGOs in the country. The draft law does not explain the procedure for registration of funds in a single register, and doesn’t clarify what sanctions will be applied in case of violation of these requirements.