The Milli Majlis (National Assembly) of Azerbaijan is currently deliberating a new bill aimed at fundamentally restructuring the social security framework for children, ensuring that state support aligns with modern living standards.
Speaking to the Operative Information Center-OMM, Gunay Agamali, Member of the Milli Majlis and Deputy Chairperson of the Motherland Party, stated that the primary objective of the new legislation is to strengthen social security for children and establish a systematic, needs-based mechanism for state assistance.
According to the MP, one of the most significant innovations in the draft law is the legal establishment of the principle that financial support provided to children cannot fall below the subsistence minimum.
“This approach will ensure that social benefits and state aid no longer merely cover minimum requirements but are based on the child's actual living and development needs,” Gunay Agamali emphasized.
The new regulations will involve a comprehensive assessment of family income, the child's age, health status, and living conditions. This framework is designed to make social support more equitable and targeted.
The MP further noted that the approach toward children in difficult life situations is undergoing a radical shift:
“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 worker accompaniment, and the early identification of children in risk groups.”
What new mechanisms are envisioned for children in difficult life situations?
According to Gunay Agamali, the bill defines the state's role not just as a provider of aid, but as a protector and guide for children within a systematic framework.
“This law is a clear example of treating children as subjects of law. The main goal is to create real and sustainable changes in a child's life,” the MP noted.
In conclusion, the MP stressed that ensuring the welfare of children is the most reliable investment in the future of society, and this bill serves that strategic purpose. By setting the subsistence minimum as a starting point rather than a ceiling, Azerbaijan's social policy places child welfare at its center, recognizing that today's guarantees determine the future of the nation.
Context of Social Reforms in Azerbaijan
In recent years, the Republic of Azerbaijan has significantly expanded its social protection programs under the direction of President Ilham Aliyev. These reforms focus on digitalizing social services and increasing the transparency of welfare distribution. The current legislative initiative in the Milli Majlis aligns with the broader national strategy to enhance the human capital of the country and provide robust safety nets for vulnerable populations, particularly in the post-conflict development phase.
