Baku: Social support mechanisms for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Azerbaijan are set to undergo a significant transition to a new model, APA reports. Proposed amendments to the Law on Social Protection of Internally Displaced Persons and Persons Equated to Them were discussed at a joint meeting of the Milli Majlis Committees on Labor and Social Policy and Human Rights.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the current legislation ensures that social protection measures remain effective for three years once conditions are established for IDPs to return to their original residences. For those equated to IDPs, these measures persist until they can return to their former homes or permanently settle elsewhere. The draft law proposes that these measures extend for three years from the date IDPs lose their IDP status.

Under existing laws, IDPs may temporarily settle independently without infringing on others' rights. The relevant authorities must then relocate IDPs to alternative housing within the same settlement. The proposed amendment removes this geographical constraint, requiring authorities to offer alternative housing without the settlement limitation.

The transitional provisions stipulate that for IDPs who were provided free housing in liberated territories before the law's enactment, the validity period of social protection measures will count from the date of housing provision. Additionally, for IDPs studying at state educational institutions with tuition covered by the state, these payments will continue until the completion of their education.