Azerbaijan adds online safety to child welfare policy
The document outlines expanded state responsibilities, including improving legal frameworks, developing child-centered government programs
BAKU, Azerbaijan (MNTV) — Azerbaijan is moving to strengthen its state policy on child welfare by formally adding patriotic education, civic values and protection from harmful information to its national priorities under a new draft law reviewed in parliament.
The proposed “Law on the Rights of the Child,” discussed at meetings of the Milli Majlis Human Rights Committee and the Committee on Family, Women and Children’s Affairs, expands the scope of state policy beyond basic rights protection to include children’s moral, cultural and civic development, News.Az reported, citing APA.
The draft emphasizes education in patriotism, citizenship, peace-oriented values and respect for national traditions, while reaffirming the state’s role in ensuring equal opportunities, preventing discrimination and providing social protection for children in difficult circumstances.
Under current legislation, state policy focuses on proper living conditions, access to modern education and the development of responsible citizens through national and local programs. The new draft broadens these goals to include building legal awareness among children and shielding them from information that could harm their health or development.
The document outlines expanded state responsibilities, including improving legal frameworks, developing child-centered government programs, strengthening education, healthcare and social services, and expanding infrastructure for children’s development and leisure.
It also prioritizes reducing institutionalization by returning children from social care facilities to families, guardianship, foster care or adoption where possible, and by preventing unnecessary placement in residential institutions. The draft sets professional standards for specialists working with children in schools, healthcare facilities, social services, cultural and sports institutions, and correctional facilities.
The legislation further addresses the prevention of violence against children, early marriage and discrimination, while introducing stronger accountability and oversight mechanisms in the child protection system.
Separately, the draft law contains provisions related to a child’s right to citizenship and a name. It states that every child’s birth must be registered under the Family Code and that citizenship is acquired at birth, except in cases defined by the law on citizenship, including children born in Azerbaijan to foreign or stateless parents. Naming procedures will continue to follow the Family Code.
The draft also reinforces measures to prevent child abduction, trafficking and illegal cross-border movement, including the return of children to their country of permanent residence.
If adopted, the legislation would modernize Azerbaijan’s child rights framework by combining legal protection with educational, moral and civic development objectives.
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