Назад Azerbaijan’s legislative framework on targeted financial sanctions discussed

Azerbaijan’s legislative framework on targeted financial sanctions discussed

In March 2020, the Council of Europe had responded to a request from Azerbaijani authorities to provide a legal opinion on the Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan on the Prevention of the Legalization of Criminally Obtained Funds or Other Property and the Financing of Terrorism, and two bylaws that regulate the implementation of international standards on targeted financial sanctions against terrorism, terrorist financing and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Following the recommendations provided, the Azerbaijani authorities drafted a new Law on Targeted Financial Sanctions and prepared amendments to the related provisions of their Criminal Procedure Code. The Council of Europe continued its support by reviewing the new law and related amendments, in September 2020, to ensure their compliance with international standards and best practices.

On 16 October 2020, the Project organised a consultation meeting (via videoconference) to further discuss the key findings and recommendations provided in the legislative analysis with representatives of the Azerbaijani Financial Monitoring Service and the Council of Europe expert. The meeting aimed to provide clarity on some key points related to the definitions, scope and objectives of the draft law, the role of certain state authorities, domestic listing and de-listing and supervision of the implementation of the draft law. All the aspects discussed during the meeting have been reflected in the final legal opinion, which aims to support the authorities to align the national legislation with international standards on anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism, in relation to the implementation of targeted financial sanctions.

This activity was organised within the framework of the EU/CoE Partnership for Good Governance II Project on “Strengthening anti-money laundering and asset recovery in Azerbaijan” (PGG II-AZ) which is funded jointly by the European Union and the Council of Europe and implemented by the Council of Europe.

Video Conference 16 October 2020
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Strasbourg, France Strasbourg, 1-2 July 2024
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Addressing hate speech and hate crime: regional gathering of the network of Equality Bodies from the Western Balkans and the Eastern Partnership Region

A two-day workshop on addressing hate speech and hate crime took place at the premises of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, involving Equality bodies from the Western Balkans and the Eastern Partnership regions.  The event supported by the EU and Council of Europe, gathered 50 representatives from both regions who discussed and exchanged on the best practices, measures and common challenges when addressing hate speech and hate crime. Through monitoring and reporting, policy advocacy, raising awareness and supporting victims equality bodies play a fundamental role in protecting human rights and ensuring that all individuals are treated equally.

In her opening remarks, Angela Longo, Head of Anti-discrimination Co-operation Unit, Council of Europe, underlined the significant progress in engaging with Equality Bodies through this network, regularly exchanging best practices and addressing the challenges of hatred and intolerance in societies. She highlighted that this new chapter of discussion delves into the grey area between hate speech and hate crime, addressing issues of incitement and biases,

Representatives from Equality Bodies had the opportunity to discuss and enhance their knowledge on the Council of Europe's Committee of Ministers Recommendation to member States on combating hate crime, adopted on 7th May 2024, as well as gain a clearer understanding of EU standards in the field of hate crime. Moreover, participants engaged in exchanges with peers from the Spanish Observatory on Racism and Xenophobia (OBERAXE), who shared insights on addressing hate speech in the public discourse. The National Office Against Racial Discrimination (UNAR) in Italy provided practical examples for developing counter-narratives and raising awareness initiatives.

They also explored opportunities to advocate for legislative reform, foster multisectoral co-operation, enhance data collection, and overall improve national mechanisms to counter hate crimes.

This seminar was organised within the action “Promoting equality and combating racism and intolerance in the Western Balkans” and the project “Promoting equality and non-discrimination: towards more resilient and inclusive societies” – co-funded by the European Union and the Council of Europe, and implemented by the Council of Europe  under the joint Programmes “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye” and “Partnership for Good Governance”.

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