The Milli Majlis (National Assembly) of Azerbaijan is currently reviewing a new draft law aimed at fundamentally reforming and strengthening the social security system for children.
In an interview with Operative Information Center-OMM, Member of Parliament and Chairperson of the Motherland Party, Gunay Agamali, stated that the primary objective of the bill is to establish a systematic, needs-based mechanism for state support. One of the most significant innovations in the proposed legislation is the legal requirement that financial assistance provided to children must not fall below the subsistence minimum.
According to the MP, the project establishes a legal norm ensuring that the material provision for children is aligned with real living standards.
“This approach ensures that social benefits and state aid will no longer just meet minimum requirements, but will be based on the child's actual living and development needs,” Gunay Agamali emphasized.
It was noted that under the new regulations, family income, the child's age, health status, and living conditions will be assessed comprehensively. This will allow for more equitable and targeted social support.
The MP further explained that the approach to children in difficult life situations is also undergoing a fundamental change:
“Integrated social support mechanisms will be applied instead of just financial aid. These mechanisms include psychological rehabilitation, ensuring access to education, referral to health services, social work accompaniment, and the early identification of children in risk groups.”
What new mechanisms are intended for children in difficult life situations?
According to Gunay Agamali, the new bill establishes the state's approach not just as a provider of aid, but as an entity that systematically protects and accompanies children as subjects of rights.
“This law is a clear example of treating children as subjects of law. The main goal is to create real and lasting change in a child's life,” the MP noted.
This legislative initiative is part of Azerbaijan's broader strategy to enhance its social welfare framework and invest in human capital. By shifting the perspective from viewing children merely as recipients of aid to recognizing them as subjects of legal rights, the government aims to ensure sustainable development and long-term social stability in Azerbaijan. The bill reflects the priorities outlined in the "Azerbaijan 2030: National Priorities for Socio-Economic Development" strategy, which places the welfare of vulnerable populations and the development of the next generation at the center of state policy.
In conclusion, the MP emphasized that ensuring the welfare of children is the most reliable investment in the future of society, and this bill serves that strategic goal. Thus, the new draft law formalizes an approach where the subsistence minimum is no longer a ceiling but a starting point for child development and protection.
