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CIVIL SOCIETY
In order for a country to guarantee its own democracy, it must grasp the features of a civil society and exploit them to their own advantage. It must direct its citizens to participate in community and state - to make decisions for themselves while protecting their own interests, and to form their own public opinion. Active participation and interaction with a country ruled by law and justice are civil society's guarantees for democracy.
There exists a general understanding that Civil Society is a phenomenon characterizing the contemporary western world. However, as the former Soviet Union moves forward into the new millennium, it is increasingly finding itself at the forefront of developing ideas and innovations for civil society. Through breaking down of social barriers, providing complete access to information, and promoting change, civil society is becoming a way of life.
There is still much work to be done, however, and in Azerbaijan we are just beginning to see changes occur. OSI-Azerbaijan is fighting for these changes through several initiatives and programs. From fighting corruption and social injustices, to protecting the rights of the people, the foundation strives to achieve a civil society. Our Network and National programs will continue this fight and actively involve the citizens of Azerbaijan in this fight as well.
To build the fundamentals of a civil society, OSI-Azerbaijan has focused on the following areas:
- Harmonization of law and criminal justice
- Independent Media support
- Women rights protection
- Free access to information sources
- Backing up local NGO-s of societal activity profile
- Public awareness and involvement into reformation process.
These goals made necessary the grouping of OSI civil society activities in following sub-programs:
- Law and Criminal Justice
- Local Government
- Mass Media
- East-East
- Women
- Travel Grants
- Health
- Arts and Culture
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