Azerbaijan.US
Azerbaijan has prepared a new draft law on child rights, designed to modernize the country’s legal framework for protecting minors and aligning state policy with contemporary social and digital realities.
The proposed legislation outlines core principles of state policy on children, defines their rights and freedoms, and establishes mechanisms for protection and oversight. A central focus of the bill is preventing violence against children, including physical and psychological abuse.
Under the draft law, violence against children would be explicitly prohibited not only within families, but also across educational, healthcare, social service, sports, cultural, and detention institutions, as well as in online environments and digital communication networks. The inclusion of online spaces reflects growing concern over digital risks faced by minors.
The bill recognizes that abuse often remains hidden for extended periods. As a result, schools and healthcare institutions are expected to play a key role in early detection, with implementation mechanisms to be developed following the law’s adoption.
The draft also clarifies civil and property rights of children. It affirms that minors may own property acquired through inheritance, gifts, or personal income, as well as assets purchased with their own funds. Special attention is given to intellectual property rights, including creative and entrepreneurial activity carried out by minors, such as digital projects and startups.
Another provision calls for the creation of a national child rights information system, intended to improve coordination between state agencies while maintaining data protection and privacy standards. Authorities say the system would allow faster responses to risks without lengthy administrative procedures.
The draft law also addresses freedom of belief, prohibiting coercion of children into religious practices. Parents would retain the right to raise children in accordance with their beliefs, provided this is done by mutual agreement and without pressure.
If adopted, the law would serve as a comprehensive framework defining state responsibilities, institutional duties, and safeguards for children’s rights in Azerbaijan, with an emphasis on protection, transparency, and adaptation to digital-era challenges.
