The Social Union of Legal Education of Sumgait Youth is actively implementing a series of initiatives aimed at strengthening civil society across the regions of Azerbaijan, under a small grant provided by the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy (TFD).
🔹 A new newspaper to amplify civic voices
Preparations are currently underway for the launch of a weekly print newspaper, designed to highlight the work of civil society organizations, cover current socio-political developments, and raise awareness about press freedom violations and human rights concerns in Azerbaijan.
🔹 Daily updates through an online platform
The organization’s digital presence is already operational via the platform humanrightsaz.com, which provides daily updates in Azerbaijani and English. This online newspaper covers the activities of civic organizations, political developments, and threats to civil liberties and press freedom. It serves as a much-needed alternative information source for both domestic and international audiences, including diaspora communities and human rights institutions.
🔹 Upcoming: “CSO Platform” column
As part of its broader strategy, the Union plans to launch a dedicated “CSO Platform” section within both the print and online newspapers. This upcoming feature will focus on civil society organizations working across various regions of Azerbaijan. Regional correspondents will collect and publish information about local NGOs, ensuring that their work gains national and international visibility. The initiative also aims to strengthen their access to global donors and foster broader support networks.
🔹 Why this work matters
The project comes at a time of deepening crisis for civil society in Azerbaijan. Since 2023, independent NGOs, human rights defenders, and journalists have faced growing repression. Restrictive legislation, frozen bank accounts, interrogations, and loss of office infrastructure have left many civic groups – especially in rural areas – struggling to survive. The government continues to tighten control over independent initiatives, limiting their scope and silencing critical voices.
In this climate, empowering regional civic actors and providing platforms for their voices has become more urgent than ever. Through the support of the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy, this project contributes to protecting civic space, promoting democratic awareness, and resisting efforts to dismantle independent civil society in Azerbaijan.
🔹 A legacy of civic support
This initiative builds on the organization’s long-standing commitment to empowering civil society. Between 2002 and 2013, the Union implemented several key projects with support from the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) and the U.S. Embassy, including the establishment of a Civil Society Support Center in Sumgayit. This center provided NGOs with access to office space, legal and technical assistance, and support in translation and proposal development. The organization also promoted civic engagement during elections through public trainings and nationally broadcasted TV debates, contributing to greater public awareness and NGO participation in democratic processes.. With the support of international democratic partners like the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy, Social Union of Legal Education of Sumgait Youth continues to defend civic space and expand the visibility and resilience of civil society throughout Azerbaijan.
Azərbaycan dili 
English (UK)