The Milli Majlis (National Assembly) has approved a newly developed draft law "On the Rights of the Child" in its first reading. The Operative Information Center-OMM reports that the significant legislative project was brought to the floor for discussion during today's plenary session of the parliament.
New Draft Law: Key differences from existing legislation
Providing details on the new project, Hijran Huseynova, Chair of the Committee on Family, Women and Children Affairs, highlighted important structural and statistical changes. She emphasized that while the current law consists of 5 chapters and 45 articles, the new draft expands the protection of children's rights to 8 chapters and 63 articles.
The committee chair noted that the new project does not merely declare rights but provides detailed regulations for their implementation, protection, monitoring, and restoration. For the first time, a comprehensive system of definitions is being established, which is of decisive importance for eliminating legal loopholes during law enforcement in Azerbaijan.
"Best interests of the child" and combating violence
The draft law transforms the principle of the "best interests of the child" into a functional legal mechanism. While this principle exists in current legislation, its application procedures were previously vague. In the new document, the best interests of the child are reflected in a separate article with specific guarantees.
Conducting an investigation, learning the child's opinion, and assessing potential negative impacts before making any decision regarding a child is now established as a mandatory legal obligation. This approach ensures the full application of the international legal principle of the "best interest of the child" within the national legislation of Azerbaijan.
The project also clarifies various forms of violence, classifying them as physical, psychological, sexual, corporal punishment, neglect, and internet violence. Teachers, medical workers, and social service employees will now have a mandatory reporting obligation if signs of violence are detected. The medical and social rehabilitation of a victimized child is defined as a direct obligation of the state.
Early marriage and judicial rights
Unlike the existing law, the new draft law defines "early marriage" as a separate concept and creates specific legal liability. At the same time, mechanisms for identifying children in difficult life situations, emergency measures, and repatriation rules are being established.
The new project includes separate articles on every child's freedom of thought, speech, and information. In child-family relations, parental rights are limited by the interests of the child, and violence is strictly prohibited. The state will only intervene when necessary.
Furthermore, the child is recognized as a subject with the right to direct participation in administrative and judicial proceedings. Child-oriented procedures, age-appropriate explanations, and the provision of legal aid are fully aligned with the concept of a child-friendly justice system.
This legislative reform reflects Azerbaijan's commitment to international conventions, including the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. By modernizing the legal framework, the Republic of Azerbaijan aims to strengthen the social and legal protection of the younger generation in line with modern global standards. Following the discussions, the bill was put to a vote and adopted in the first reading.
