Social support mechanisms for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Azerbaijan are transitioning to a new model.
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, this shift is reflected in amendments to the Law "On the Status of Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons (Persons Displaced Within the Country)," which were recently approved by President Ilham Aliyev.
Previously, social protection measures stipulated by the Law "On Social Protection of Internally Displaced Persons and Persons Equal to Them" remained in effect for three years from the time conditions were created for IDPs to return to their former places of residence. For persons equal to IDPs, these measures were valid until conditions for their return were established or until they were permanently settled. Under the new legislation, these social protection measures will remain in effect for three years from the date an individual loses their IDP status.
The amendments also revise regulations regarding temporary housing. Previously, independent temporary settlement by IDPs was permitted only if it did not violate the rights and legal interests of others; if such violations occurred, executive authorities were required to relocate the IDPs within the same settlement. The new law removes the restriction that relocation must occur within the same settlement, instead mandating that executive authorities offer alternative housing options to the affected individuals.
Transitional provisions stipulate that for IDPs who were provided with alternative housing in liberated territories prior to the law's entry into force, the duration of social protection measures will be calculated from the date they received such housing. Furthermore, the law ensures that IDPs currently studying at state higher and secondary vocational institutions on a paid basis, whose tuition is covered by the state budget, will continue to have their education funded by the state until they complete their studies.
These legislative changes are part of Azerbaijan's broader strategy to facilitate the "Great Return" program, which focuses on the systematic resettlement of citizens to the Garabagh and East Zangezur economic regions following the liberation of these territories from occupation in 2020.
