The State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan
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Public discussion was held on marriages between relatives
As one of the urgent issues of the society, a wide-ranging public discussion was held regarding marriages between relatives with the participation of state institutions, MPs, civil society institutions, specialists in the field and media representatives. The discussion, which took place on March 12, 2024, was jointly organized by the State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs, the Center for Social Research and "Khalq" newspaper, and was moderated by Mr. Aziz Alibeyli, the head of the Media and Communication Department of STM. Ms. Bahar Muradova, the chairperon of the State Committee on Family, Women and Children Affairs, welcomed everyone and noted that the public discussion was dedicated to an important and urgent issue. Emphasizing that the family is the nucleus of the society and the state, the chairperson said that traditions are always preferred in the topic discussed about Azerbaijan. She added that the environment and attitudes in the family are later transferred to the society, and noted that in order to achieve the set goals, these issues should be discussed seriously and should be put in the background as obstacles to our lives. Stating that marriage between close relatives is prohibited by Article 12 of the Family Code, the Chairperson of the Committee added: "In order to achieve the main goals of the state's policy in this direction, we have to look at the our legislation, the mechanisms of implementation of these laws, the activities of the state bodies that implement them, and the public's participation and position in this matter and explore ways to eliminate them." The chairperson added that the mentioned issue is related to the activities of the Committee and at the same time noted that each of the relevant state bodies has its own obligations and duties in this direction. She noted that the Committee has started the process of coordinated discussion of these issues for a long time. Ms. B. Muradova noted the importance of directing the society's capabilities to the solution of this issue and taking into account its position when taking the next steps. Emphasizing that the issue is under the government's attention, the chairperson said that the Family Code was amended in 2015 and that everyone undergoes a medical examination before marriage, and that this step has brought great results. She reminded the Education Rule the Cabinet of Ministers of on the negative consequences of early marriage and marriage between relatives, and said that the application of this rule has yielded certain results. Ms. B.Muradova said that the State Committee collects information on the activities of all state bodies in this regard and submits it to the National Assembly once a year. Highlighting the figures of the last two years, the chairperson said that studies were conducted on the order of the Committee based on those results. In the end, the Chairperson of the Committee, voicing his thoughts in the direction of eliminating the issue, noted that the main issue is to make appropriate changes to the legislation, and imposing bans on the fourth term can give certain results. Mr. Zahid Oruj, the head of the Social Research Center noted that about 20% of the world's population prefers consanguineous marriages due to its social benefits, and it mostly occurs in societies with closed economies, high levels of illiteracy and lack of information. Later, Mr. Aflatun Amashov the editor-in-chief of "Khalq" newspaper noted that the legislation should be tightened to prevent marriages of close relatives. According to him, if a survey is conducted among those who participated in the hearing, it turns out that up to 50 percent of people have married relatives in their family. Mr. Rustam Gasimov, head of the Legislation Development Sector of the Legislative and Legal Policy Department of the Presidential Administration emphasized that the family is an indicator of the health of society and the state as a whole, and noted that this is both a strategic problem, a problem of society, and a problem at the individual level. Mr. Araz Poladov, head of the Legislation Development Sector of the Legislative and Legal Policy Department of the Presidential Administration noted that there are certain factors that harm family values, as well as the health of society and individuals. One of them is the marriages between relatives. This is our ancient tradition. We must respect customs and traditions, we must develop them, but at the same time we must be able to refuse customs based on false stereotypes. Ms. Taliya Ibrahimova, head of the Legal Security Department of the State Committee, said that a survey was conducted among 1,354 respondents in order to study the attitude towards marriages between relatives. Mr. Fazil Mustafa, a member of National Assembly drew attention to the fact that in Azerbaijan there is not only the problem of relative marriage, but also the problem of regional marriage. Young people are told that you cannot marry someone from outside this village, settlement, or district. This is among the issues that concern us. Ms. Malahat Ibrahimgizi, Ms. Sevil Mikayilova and Ms. Jala Ahmadova, expressing their opinion on the subject, emphasized that the main line for preventing the negative effects of marriage between relatives is education and propaganda. Ms. Aynur Sofiyeva, deputy chairperson of the State Committee pointed out that with the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan dated June 23, 2020, No. 213, on "Awareness rule on the negative consequences of early marriage and marriage between relatives with the aim of protecting and strengthening and the importance of family and marriage among young people" has been approved. Later, there was an exchange of views on the topic. Opinions of civil society institutions, medical specialists, lawyers and experts were heard.
Meetings were held on the topic of "Strengthening work in the direction of educating children in the spirit of patriotism and national-moral values"
With the support of the Ministry of Science and Education, the State Committee on Family, Women and Children Affairs and the joint organization of the Department of Education for Baku city, educational meetings on "Strengthening work in the direction of educating children in the spirit of patriotism and national-moral values" are being continued. Ms. Gulnara Mammadova, head of the Department of Family Affairs of the State Committee, spoke about national-spiritual and family values, upbringing of children in the spirit of patriotism, and the importance of instilling national-spiritual values in future generations at the meetings held in Narimanov district 45, Khatai district 245 schools and Sabail district technical humanitarian high school number 2. Later, Ms. G. Mammadova voiced her opinion on the causes and prevention of early marriages, consanguineous marriages, girls' exclusion from education, and the negative effects of these problems on society and people. Also, Mr. Panah Imanov, head of the social-political and humanitarian department of the Khatai district executive authority, Mr. Anar Mammadov and Mr. Arif Hajiyev, participants of the Patriotic War and April battles, school principals spoke and emphasized the importance of educating young people in the spirit of patriotism. The short films "Family is a tree" and "The key to happiness" were shown to the participants at the events. A total of 350 people participated in the events.
"Support to applicants" program has ended at Baku State University
The last training of the "Support to applicants" program took place at Baku State University by the Assembly of Children's Ambassadors operating under the State Committee on Family, Women and Children Affairs by within the framework of the project "Build your future!". First, the entrants got acquainted with the exhibits in the Heydar Aliyev Museum, Genetics, as well as the Museum of Evolution, within the framework of the training. Later, the members of the Assembly of Children's Ambassadors, Ms. Jala Muradli and Ms. Khalil Babayev, conducted tests on the results of the training. The deputy director of the Children's Affairs Department of the Committee, Ms. Gunel Nagdaliyeva, congratulated the children on the successful completion of the program and wished them success in their future educational life.
On the occasion of March 8 - International Women's Day, a series of events were held in the regions
"Encouraging the active participation of women in society" round tables were held on the eve of International Women's Day by the Agdam, Shuvelan, Saatli, Sabirabad, Hajigabul, Gabala, Ismailli, Goygol, Goranboy, Zardab, Zagatala Child and Family Support Centers of the State Committee on Family, Women and Children Affairs with the participation from the families of martyrs and veterans, representatives of the Assembly of Children's Ambassadors, girls and women studying abroad and with high results in university entrance exams, members of expert groups. Speakers informed about the successfully implemented state women's policy in our country, that all conditions were created for the active participation of our women in society, and that women have a great role and services in the creation and development of human civilization, reaching the modern level, along with men at events held with the support of relevant institutions and social partners.
March 8 - an event dedicated to International Women's Day was held
On March 6, 2024, an event dedicated to March 8 - International Women's Day was held under the organization of the State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs. Before the event, the Alley of Honor was visited, and deep respect was expressed to the memory of Heydar Aliyev, the national leader of the Azerbaijani people, and prominent ophthalmologist, scientist Zarifa Aliyeva. The National Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan was played, and the dear memory of the martyrs who died for the freedom of our land was commemorated with a minute's silence. The event continued with reciting the congratulatory letter of President Mr. Ilham Aliyev to women by Ms. Farah Aliyeva, Head of the Department of Humanitarian Policy, Diaspora, Multiculturalism and Religious Affairs of the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Ms. Bahar Muradova, the chairperson of the State Committee, who delivered the opening speech, thanked the President of the country Mr. Ilham Aliyev for the congratulatory letter addressed to the participants of the event and all Azerbaijani women on their behalf, and congratulated all women on the occasion of March 8 - International Women's Day. Speaking about the confident victory achieved in the last presidential elections held in Azerbaijan, the Chairperson of the Committee said that our country has become the most active actor in the world's socio-political, economic, social, humanitarian, cultural, and even military political processes. Drawing attention to the important role of modern Azerbaijani women in the comprehensive development of society and the process of state building, the chairman emphasized the active participation of women during the Presidential elections held in the country. She emphasized that in the last 20 years, attention has been paid to the state women's policy and the gender factor, as well as great progress has been made in the provision of women's rights, their empowerment and economic empowerment. Noting that 2024 has been declared "the year of solidarity for the sake of a green world" in our country, the Chairman of the Committee said that the participation of women in the Organizing Committee of the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, which will be held in Azerbaijan, further increases the opportunities for women to contribute to this process. stressed. She drew attention to the success and achievements of Azerbaijani women in every field and noted that the environment established in our country creates a favorable ground for realizing the rich potential of women. In the end, she once again congratulated all the women on the occasion of the upcoming holiday and wished them courage and confidence in achieving the goals and objectives ahead. Then, a video was shown showing the good wishes of mothers of martyrs and veterans, spouses, social and political figures, as well as women working in various fields. The event continued with an artistic program.
Meeting was held with the ambassador of the United States of Mexico at the State Committee
The Chairperson of the State Committee on Family, Women and Children Affairs , had a bilateral meeting with Ms. Victoria Romero, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of Mexico to the Republic of Azerbaijan on March 5, 2024, Bahar Muradova. Welcoming the guests, the Chairperson of the Committee expressed her gratitude for the initiative of the meeting. Ms. B. Muradova noted that bilateral and multilateral relations with the United States of Mexico are based on mutual interests, friendship and cooperation. Emphasizing that we are interested in the development of relations at the level of both parliaments and governments, she also drew attention to the importance of intensifying relations between relevant institutions. Speaking about the active role of women in social and political life, Ms. B. Muradova drew attention to their activity in the Presidential elections held in the country a short time ago. Talking about the issues related to the activities of the State Committee, the chairperson noted that defining the policy related to family, women's and children's issues as a whole, coordinating the work between the institutions authorized to implement this policy, protecting the vulnerable group and their rights is the main part of our agenda. Ambassador Mrs. Victoria Romero, who expressed her gratitude to the Chairman of the Committee for the warm welcome, said that the role of women in all spheres of Azerbaijani society is increasing. Noting that throughout history both Azerbaijan and Mexico have attached special importance to the protection of women's rights, the Ambassador emphasized the importance of continuing efforts related to the role of women. The meeting continued with the discussion of the current situation of women's rights in both countries, as well as possible opportunities for cooperation.
Ms. Bahar Muradova met with Ms.Alessandra Roccasalva
The chairperson of the State Committee on Family, Women and Children Affairs Ms. Bahar Muradova met with Ms. Alessandra Roccasalva the acting resident representative of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) on March 5, 2024. Ms. Bahar Muradova, the chairperson of the committee, welcomed the guests and congratulated them on the upcoming March 8 International Women's Day. She said that Azerbaijan has resolved the Karabakh issue and the period of fulfilling the important tasks arising from it has already begun, and that our country is working to ensure peace and security in the region. Talking about the measures implemented by the state in the direction of ensuring women's rights and increasing their participation in social, economic and political life, the chairperson noted that the legislation has been improved and women are encouraged to take an active citizen's position. Ms. B. Muradova said that projects with concrete results are being implemented with UN agencies in the mentioned field, she appreciated this cooperation and thanked for the friendly relationship. Expressing her gratitude for the warm welcome and congratulations, UNDP representative Ms. Alessandra Roccasalva pointed out that her delegation to Azerbaijan coincided with an important historical period. Noting that a new stage has begun for Azerbaijan, A. Roccasalva said that the global image of our country has changed all over the world and has become an international participant. The meeting continued with the exchange of views on the projects implemented so far and the discussion of future perspectives within the framework of the cooperation of the State Committee with UNDP. The meeting was attended by Ms. Sadagat Gahramanova, deputy chairperson of the Committee, Ms.Kamala Hagverdiyeva, acting head of the Department of Foreign Relations and Protocol Service, Mr. Teymur Mammadov, assistant to the chairperson, and Leyla Fathi, adviser on Program issues of UNDP.
The opening of the spring camp organized by the State Committee for children with Down syndrome was held
Ms. Aynur Sofiyeva, the deputy chairperson of the State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs greeted the parents and children and spoke about the importance of attention and care to children. She noted that conditions are created for parents to have a good time with their children in the camp, specialists will always be with them and wished them a good rest. On the first day of the camp, the children's physical and psychological development status was evaluated for the purpose of general acquaintance and various entertainments were organized for them. 25 children and their parents attended the camp, which will be held from March 5 to 14. Every day in the camp, development training, interactive games, as well as art therapy, sports training, dance lessons, as well as an entertainment program and interesting excursions are planned for the effective organization of the participants' free time by psychologists, social workers and trainers. It should be noted that the purpose of organizing the camp is to rehabilitate children with disabilities, provide them with social services, integrate them into society and provide psycho-social support to their parents.
Bahar Muradova, the Chair of the State Committee met with Saja Faruq Abdullah, the head of the representative office of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in Azerbaijan
Welcoming the guests, Bahar Muradova wished the UN official success in his activities in Azerbaijan and the organization's representation process. Drawing attention to the importance of regularly holding meetings with representatives of international organizations, the chairperson added that the State Committee is interested in innovations within the framework of cooperation with various organizations. She drew attention to the cooperation with UNICEF for many years and said that the activities based on constructive cooperation between the two institutions will continue successfully from now on. B. Muradova emphasized that cooperation regarding cases of violation of children's rights has entered a new phase during the past period. The chairman pointed out that the state takes a serious approach to the process of implementing the Convention on "Children's Rights" and that there has been a sufficiently constructive discussion in the last two UN reports. She added that after the previous report, a working group was formed, a discussion was held between the relevant institutions, and relevant changes in the legislation were proposed. B. Muradova noted that there are currently a number of proposals to prevent early marriages in the Family Code, especially the elimination of the exception related to the age of marriage, and she expressed her belief that this problem will be eliminated by bringing together the opinion of the public: We must remove the obstacles that harm children’s health and endanger their future life. The Chairman of the Committee stated that the threat of landmines in the lands freed from occupation hinders the process of people returning to their native lands, and drew attention to the mass grave discovered in Khojaly and the remains of children found there. She noted that this once again proves that there was not ethnic cleansing, but even genocide against Azerbaijanis, especially innocent children, in those areas: "We are worried about the deaths of children in the world today, and their difficult life conditions. We must mobilize all our capabilities in this direction and continue our joint projects with UNICEF," she added. Expressing his gratitude for the warm reception, Saja Faruq Abdullah noted that he was happy to be in Azerbaijan and witnessed the achievements and progress made in the direction of children's well-being. S.F.Abdullah emphasized that the Children's Strategy, as a fundamental and detailed document, is a clear example of the importance of the Azerbaijani government to the protection and provision of children's rights. He noted that the important steps taken in turn contribute to the achievement of sustainable development goals. The UN official highly appreciated the role of the State Committee in the promotion and protection of children's rights in Azerbaijan. He emphasized the adoption of the Law "On prevention of domestic violence" in order to establish a system of protection of children's rights and ensure their well-being. Noting that the 30th anniversary of UNICEF's activities in Azerbaijan was celebrated last year, the guest added that during these years the activity has undergone a great process of evolution and development. S.F.Abdullah, who stated that UNICEF has rich experience in the mine problem, said that solving this issue is one of the most important tasks on the agenda and cooperation in this field will be continued. Drawing attention to the importance of the "Children's Strategy of the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2020-2030", Saja Faruq Abdullah said that they are interested in providing appropriate support to the measures implemented based on the aforementioned document. The meeting continued with the discussion of measures and projects to be implemented within the framework of cooperation between the State Committee and UNICEF. Other officials from both sides participated in the meeting.