On April 5, 2022, an online meeting was held to discuss the implementation of the "National Action Plan to Combat Domestic Violence in the Republic of Azerbaijan."

Welcoming the participants, Mrs.Bahar Muradova, Chair of the Committee, stressed the importance of such discussions with the relevant agencies in order to discuss the work done. She noted that the Committee summarized the information collected from 9 central executive bodies, 4 state bodies, and 76 local executive bodies on its activities as a coordinating body, and submitted a report to the Administration of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan. She also researched and analyzed the situation on the results of the work done. At the same time, in accordance with the UNFPA framework document on cooperation with the Government of Azerbaijan for 2021-2025, the implementation of the national action plan was monitored and evaluated: “This assessment was aimed at identifying and analyzing shortcomings in the implementation process. The results of the monitoring allow us to formulate a conceptual framework document on the main directions of strategic interventions to be carried out by the relevant agencies in cooperation with the UN Population Fund.

Mrs. Muradova noted: “The analysis of annual data showed a great need to strengthen relations between partner organizations in this area. Many incidents in everyday life, especially suicides, domestic violence and violence against children, are a matter of serious concern. There is a need to develop special rehabilitation programs for victims of violence together with specialized specialists, and to monitor and analyze the results.”

Drawing attention to the EU-funded Twinning project "Strengthening the capacity of government agencies and local referral mechanisms to ensure the safety and support of victims of domestic violence in Azerbaijan" since 2020, the Committee Chairman said that the project was also useful in terms of creating a basis for expanding communication and contacts between the employees of the relevant agencies involved.

According to the Law on Social Services, the number of social service institutions providing various services to people and families in difficult circumstances has increased in recent years. Mrs. Muradova noted that the Committee cooperates with social service institutions for children in this situation and victims of domestic violence, in particular, holds regular discussions with the heads of relevant ministries and agencies. At the same time, at the request of the Committee, the placement of this category of citizens is provided in the shelters of non-governmental assistance centers.

Emphasizing that there are some gaps in this area, the Chair of the Committee touched upon a point to be noted in the discussions with the heads of social service institutions, emphasizing the importance of providing appropriate support to non-governmental shelters and centers to address a number of problems and difficulties.

Mrs. Taliya Ibrahimova, Head of the Legal Support Department of the State Committee, made a presentation on the implementation of the "National Action Plan to Combat Domestic Violence in the Republic of Azerbaijan" and gave detailed information about the measures taken by the State Committee in 2021. She also drew the attention of conference participants to the importance of paying special attention to some issues during the future implementation of the National Action Plan.

Mr. Eldar Nuriyev, Deputy Minister of Justice said that the problem of domestic violence remained a topical and serious problem for everyone, and informed about the items assigned to the Ministry in the Action Plan and the state of their implementation. The Deputy Minister noted that in addition, in accordance with several items that the Ministry is not intended as an executive body, the draft laws on amendments to the Law on Prevention of Domestic Violence and other normative legal acts were considered and proposals were submitted. Employees of the Ministry of Justice were also represented in the working groups on improving the legislation and protection of victims. He noted that refresher courses and trainings for lawyers and judges on the mentioned subject will be held in the coming years.

Giving information about security orders, Mr.Nuriyev noted that the number of security orders increased by 94% in 2021 compared to previous years: "It is commendable that despite a significant increase in the number of enforcement documents, there have been no criminal cases in the last three years."

Mr. Eldar Nuriyev said that the new draft Executive Code includes a special provision on the implementation of decisions in the field of domestic violence, adding that the document was sent for consideration and the implementation of the Action Plan is continuing.

He thanked the leading staff of the State Committee for organizing such an important event dedicated to the fight against domestic violence and expressed hope that these discussions will contribute to interaction and strengthen the fight against domestic violence.

Noting that domestic violence, especially violence against women, is a matter of public concern in our country, as in many countries around the world, Mr. Oruj Zalov said that relations and information exchange between the public and the police are constantly improving as part of ongoing reforms. He said that for many years, operative means of communication have been operating to prevent crimes, including domestic and domestic violence against women and children, and to take urgent measures, and appeals to this issue are treated with special sensitivity. Noting that today Azerbaijan is one of the countries with the lowest number of crimes committed in general, the Deputy Minister said that an official investigation is underway into each crime committed on the basis of domestic violence, a legal assessment of the work done, as well as the prevention of these crimes. He added that adequate measures are being taken to prevent the impunity of the perpetrators.

Talking about the interaction with government agencies, Mr. Zalov said that all criminal cases of women as accused or convicted, as well as the materials are regularly analyzed to study and eliminate the factors that incited them to commit crimes, including ensuring the safety of women victims and protecting their rights. He noted that important steps have been taken in this direction and all processes are under control.

He said: “There are problems to be solved in this area. Measures have been taken to put into practice the issuance of short and long-term protection orders to victims. All relevant agencies, as well as civil society institutions will work together to improve the work done to strengthen families, provide them with timely and comprehensive assistance, increase the effectiveness of the protection system for victims of domestic violence, strengthen awareness and education.”

Then, Mr. Anar Karimov, Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Protection spoke about the importance of the National Action Plan, the work carried out by the Ministry on the relevant Action Plan on this document, the measures taken in the field of social protection of victims of domestic violence, as well as social measures to prevent domestic violence. He said: “The Social Services Agency has established a Care Call Center (116,123) to respond to complaints about domestic violence and children in difficult living conditions, as well as the provision of online psychological support. One of the projects implemented in recent years on the basis of social orders of the Ministry is aimed at providing social rehabilitation services, legal, social and psychological assistance to victims of domestic violence. Measures have been taken to increase the powers of women, expand employment opportunities and involve them in various vocational courses. If 75,000 people were employed over the past period, about 20,000 of them were women. About 2,500 women have been involved in various employment activities in the field of agriculture, more than a thousand women in the field of services and production.”

Later, Mr. Firudun Gurbanov, Deputy Minister of Education made a speech on education. He told: “The education system has great potential for the prevention and prevention of violence. The professional and organizational source of this system, the field of social influence, and the educational environment allow to systematically influence the goals and interests of all participants in the educational process. Educational events, online meetings, round tables and seminars in the field of combating domestic violence were held in general education institutions, Child and Youth Development Centers, vocational schools and universities. At the same time, relevant measures to combat domestic violence, as well as trainings and round tables were organized in boarding schools under the direct supervision of the Ministry of Education.”

At the end of his speech, the Deputy Minister added that the steps taken by the Ministry of Education to prevent domestic violence include awareness-raising activities, the inclusion of relevant topics in the curriculum, as well as the inculcation of relevant practical skills in adolescents and young people. He said that the Ministry of Education attaches great importance not only to the fight against domestic violence, but also to its causes.

The event with the participation of other government agencies continued with discussions.