ABOUT US



The Open Azerbaijan Initiative (OAI) was founded on 16 February 2016. OAI operates on a non-profit basis and functions as a civil society group.

Vision:

A transparent and just Azerbaijan where government institutions uphold the rule of law and public power is exercised with integrity, accountability, and respect for human rights, freedom of information, and citizens’ participation.

Mission:

To promote good governance, combat corruption, and strengthen the rule of law and democratic institutions in Azerbaijan by empowering civil society and promoting active civic engagement.

Core Values:

  1. Transparency and Accountability – We believe that open decision-making, accessible information, and public oversight are essential for trust in government. Public officials must be answerable to citizens, the law, and ethical standards without exception.
  2. Integrity – We promote honesty, professionalism, and ethical conduct across government institutions, public spending and procurement, and public life.
  3. Rule of Law – Laws must protect people, not power. We support fair institutions, equal treatment, and judicial independence.
  4. Citizen Participation – Azerbaijan’s future is shaped by active, informed, and engaged citizens and strong civil society institutions.
  5. Human Rights – Socio-economic rights, freedom of information, and freedom of association are fundamental; no one should face injustice, poverty, or exclusion.

Since its establishment, the organization’s projects have focused on government transparency and accountability, the Open Government Partnership, anti-corruption efforts, the shrinking space for civil society, and the protection of property and other socio-economic rights in Azerbaijan.

In 2016, the organization developed an essential Report on the Shrinking Space for Civil Society in Azerbaijan[1], covering restrictive laws, criminal prosecutions, and tax penalties imposed on domestic and international NGOs during 2014–2015.

In 2017, OAI monitored the government Action Plan for the promotion of Open Government and developed an alternative report[2], which played an important role in the Open Government Partnership Steering Committee’s decision to downgrade Azerbaijan’s status in the partnership.

Between 2016 and 2018, OAI monitored the preparation and implementation of the state budget and government spending and published alternative reports.[3]

In 2019, the organization published a report titled Corruption in Azerbaijan: Past Five Years[4], which analyzed government anti-corruption policies and the implementation of international commitments in this area.

In 2022–2023, OAI conducted monitoring of social rights in Azerbaijan and developed annual reports[5].

OAI also manages influential social media platforms: Open Azerbaijan, a Facebook page[9] with over 90,000 followers; an Instagram page[10] with more than 32,000 followers; and a YouTube channel[11] with over 28,000 subscribers.

Open Azerbaijan contributes investigative journalism pieces, publishes expert blogs, livestreams talk shows on top political, economic, and social issues in the country, and produces storytelling videos and infographics. It also publishes online media, particularly posts and shares its own produced content.

[1]https://openazerbaijan.org/site/assets/files/1081/shrinking_space_for_civil_society_in_azerbaijan-1.pdf

[2] https://openazerbaijan.org/site/assets/files/1209/open_government_azerbaijan.pdf

[3] https://openazerbaijan.org/site/assets/files/1208/implementation_2016_budget_azerbaijan-2.pdf

https://openazerbaijan.org/site/assets/files/1194/2017_projected_budget_azerbaijan-1.pdf

[4] https://openazerbaijan.org/site/assets/files/1412/corruption_in_azerbaijan_past_5_years.pdf

[5] https://openazerbaijan.org/site/assets/files/2214/sosial_hu_quqlar_n_v_ziyy_ti-1-1.pdf

[6] https://openazerbaijan.org/site/assets/files/2273/cop29_-_climate_of_justice_initiative.pdf

[7] https://free-anar.site

[8] https://openazerbaijan.org

[9] https://www.facebook.com/achiqazerbaycan

[10] https://instagram.com/achiqazerbaycan

[11] https://www.youtube.com/@OpenAzerbaijan