Baku: At today's session of the Milli Majlis, a new draft law 'On the Rights of the Child' was put up for discussion and subsequently passed its first reading. The draft law consists of 8 chapters and 63 articles, aiming to enhance the legal framework surrounding children's rights in Azerbaijan.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the draft law mandates the creation of a database to monitor the implementation of children's rights. It emphasizes the importance of raising children with a sense of patriotism as part of the state's policy objectives. The law also outlines key guarantees to prioritize children's interests, expanding their rights to liberty and personal inviolability. With specific exceptions, the draft stipulates that children should not be subject to monitoring, video or photo recording, and ensures the confidentiality of their communications.

The draft law allows parents or guardians to raise children according to their religious beliefs, provided there is mutual consent. It also introduces new responsibilities for educational and medical institutions to protect children from violence. This includes a requirement for confidentiality when reporting signs of violence to relevant authorities or local commissions for child protection, as well as facilitating reports to child hotline services. Those responsible for supervising children in various institutions must take necessary measures to restore the physical and psychological health of children subjected to violence.

Furthermore, the draft law guarantees children the right to financial support, not falling below the subsistence minimum as established by law. It also ensures that children receive free psychological assistance within educational institutions and mandates the presence of a psychologist during investigative procedures. The draft law was put to a vote and adopted in its first reading, marking a significant step in strengthening the protection of children's rights in Azerbaijan.