Economic and social rights of Azerbaijani population not secured to a great extent - study

Baku/08.07.22/Turan: Baku Club for Human Rights (BCHR) and International Partnership for Human Rights (IPHR) have released a report on the situation around social and economic rights in Azerbaijan.

According to the BCHR press release, the 75-page study covers 4 topics: labor rights, the right to an adequate standard of living, the right to access to high standards of medical care (right to health), and the right to education.

The report includes information on the local legal background, state programs, analysis of the open official database, the results of surveys in social networks, as well as complaints. The research was based on the standards of International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ratified by Azerbaijan in 1992).

The reports reflect recommendations to the Azerbaijani government, BCHR head Rasul Jafarov said.

"The main conclusions of the study show that a large part of the Azerbaijani population cannot have an adequate standard of living due to low income, access to food or habitation.  The analysis shows that a large proportion of households are not self-sufficient due to low income or insufficient state support. The results of surveys show that the proportion of households capable of covering the necessary expenses does not exceed 30%," the study says.

The period of the pandemic was especially hard because of rising unemployment, and the state supported just one unemployed family member on 190 AZN ($110) per month which is below the subsistence minimum for one person.

According to the country's State Statistics Committee, Azerbaijan's per capita income in 2013 was AZN 4,039.60 per year (about 4,000 euros at the time). However, in 2020, the per capita income of 5,587 manat was only 2,790 euros. That is, in reality, the income of the population declined by 73% due to the devaluation of 2015-2016 and high inflation.

All minimum indices - such as the minimum consumer basket, the minimum living wage, the minimum state social benefits and pensions - should be consistently raised to meet the needs of the population.

It is proposed to expand the number of social groups eligible for benefits of the housing system.

When it comes to the health care system, the lack of medical centers in rural areas is highlighted.

Also, the report reads that despite the introduction in 2020 of compulsory health insurance, state funding of health care must be at least doubled.

It is essential to work out comprehensive programs for the protection of maternal and child health, including the adoption of a law on reproductive health and family planning. 

As for the sphere of education, it is recommended to adopt a separate law regulating higher education.

It is also suggested that a state program be developed to reduce the high dropout rate, especially among girls in general education schools in rural areas by encouraging students to complete their secondary education.