Uzbekistan has approved a new procedure for collecting sponsorship donations aimed at increasing transparency and legality in the activities of non-governmental non-profit organizations (NGOs). Relevant amendments were made to the current legislation regulating charitable activities and state-public relations in this area.
According to the updated regulations, the collection of funds must now be carried out exclusively within a clearly defined time frame and exclusively for pre-stated purposes. All cash donations are collected in transparent containers, sealed and fixed in accordance with the established standards. Exceptions are possible only in case of non-cash transfer of funds, and only in accordance with the procedure provided for by law.
Violation of the established procedure entails administrative liability. For citizens, fines are fixed in the amount of 3 to 5 basic calculation units, for officials - from 5 to 7 BRV. At the same time, illegal interference of civil servants in the activities of NGOs will now be punished with a fine of 7 to 10 BRV. These measures are aimed at strengthening the legal status of the non-State sector, supporting its initiatives and preventing corruption risks in the process of interaction with donors.
The new rules also provide for mandatory reporting and legal liability for the intended use of collected funds. This creates prerequisites for the formation of a more mature charitable environment that can effectively solve social problems and strengthen trust on the part of society and partners.
The establishment of clear rules for collecting donations is part of a broad reform aimed at strengthening the openness and accountability of the third sector in the country. Uzbekistan is consistently moving towards creating a stable and transparent legal architecture that promotes the growth of civic engagement and the development of public institutions.
