It should be noted, that 87 of approximately 2500 non-governmental organizations registered till December 1, 2007, were NGOs dealing with women’s issues in the Republic of Azerbaijan . Nowadays, women are represented in both state and non-governmental sectors. 3 members of Public Committee, providing participation of community in realization of public control on activity of penitentiary institutions and readjustment of condemned people working in our country, are women.

Azerbaijani women living abroad, besides integrating into public and political life of the country they are living in, play a great role in the establishment of a unified diaspora, advocating national and cultural heritage, preserving national and cultural values among compatriots and making the world aware of realities of Azerbaijan .

In June 10-11, 2008 Baku Forum “Expanding role of women in cross-cultural dialogue” was held with the initiative of the first lady of the country, President of Heydar Aliyev Foundation. First ladies of 7 countries and political and public figures of many countries took part in the Forum. The objective of the Forum was discussion of increasing role of women in intercultural dialogue.

Article 8 – International representation

The State does not prohibit or prevent participation of women on international level and creates equal opportunities for men and women to represent the country in foreign countries.

According to the questionnaire compiled by the State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs, the total percentage of women working in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan is 19, 4%, from which 5, 1% are women occupying leading positions.

There are 56 diplomatic missions of the Republic of Azerbaijan (embassies, consulates and permanent representatives) abroad. Two diplomat women are representing Azerbaijan on the international level (one ambassador and one permanent representative). But the international activity of our women is not limited by this. Azerbaijani women from state, as well as non ‑ governmental organizations take an active part in international events conducted by leading international organizations. Almost every delegation authorized by government to represent the country includes women members.

Article 9 - Nationality

There are no changes regarding citizenship issues in the Republic of Azerbaijan .

Part III

Article 10. Education

Recognizing that education opens the equal opportunities for all children regardless of sex, Azerbaijani State is committed to root out inequality and under-achievement and raise standards in all schools and colleges to those of the very best. The Government is intensifying its efforts to build an inclusive society by creating opportunities for women, men, girls and boys to develop their learning, realizing their potential and achieving excellence in standards of education and levels of skills.

The “Law on Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan ” guarantees free and compulsory secondary education for all citizens of the country irrespective of sex.

Articles 13 and 14 of the Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan “On guarantees of gender equality” contain provisions prescribing equal opportunities in the realization of the right to education and the elimination of discrimination on sexual ground in all educational institutions.

According to Article 13, of the Law, the State is obliged to provide equal opportunities for the full realization of the right to education for both women and men. The State is also obligated to provide equal opportunities for women and men with regard to admission in all educational institutions, in the provision of grants for students, in the choice of curriculum and grading, regardless of economic situation.

Employer also have a duty to ensure equal opportunities for women and men employees in getting basic and additional education and for usage of rights for academic leaves.

According to Article 14, application of different and the creation of different opportunities for women and men in the choice of field of education during admission, in making up curriculum or in grading can be considered as discrimination on sexual grounds in the activity of educational institution.

The share of the educational sector in the State budget has grown during recent years. Since 2003 the budget allocations for education have increased by 25.2%. As from 1999, a ten-year State Program on Educational Reforms in the Republic of Azerbaijan (supported by international organizations) was adopted. The main aim of the State Program was the improvement of the quality of education through reform of educational courses, the elaboration of national educational standards, the publication of new textbooks and the computerization of schools.

The Government of Azerbaijan adopted a “National Plan of Action on the protection of human rights in the Republic of Azerbaijan ” in which the following measures related to the promotion of and training on human rights in educational institutions, have been taken:

Establishment of “Law Clinics” within the faculties of law of higher education, institutions and assistance to their activity in order to provide the population with more accessible legal assistance and to enhance the practical experience of the students of law faculty as well;

Preparation of teaching materials on human rights in compliance with the decade on Education with sustainable development of UNESCO, “Education in the sphere of human rights” and “Enlightenment in the sphere of human rights” declared by the UN General Assembly;

Increasing attention to teaching of human rights in secondary and higher educational institutions and improvement of teaching program with the same purpose;

Conducting competitions, festivals and exhibitions on human rights and other events on promotion of human rights for pupils and students;

Preparation and publication of teaching materials and resources dealing with human rights;

Realization of simple and interactive teaching methods on human rights, preparation of special methodic on this process;

Conducting academic researches on the problems of human rights and freedoms in higher educational institutions;

Improvement of cooperation with specialized, national and international scientific research and educational institutions in the sphere of human rights etc.;

The Heydar Aliyev Foundation as a non-governmental organization has chosen education as one of its main activity. It focuses on the implementation of Programs on the improvement of education especially for children from vulnerable groups. “Orphanage and Boarding Schools Development” Program can be mentioned as one of them. As a result of monitoring conducted in the child welfare institutions located in all regions of the Republic, there have been identified four main directions as a priority in all activities aimed at problem-solving: technical support, education, health and social activities.

In the “New school for the new Azerbaijan” Program the focus has been directed to the creation of joint opportunities for education and for the solution of those problems, which directly influence level of education, namely construction of new school buildings, improvement of the financial base; activities that create an opportunity for the new generation to become aware of academic knowledge. To meet students’ requirement, the schools that have been reconstructed were equipped with heating systems, libraries, canteens, laboratories, computer rooms and repair shops; new sports grounds have been constructed. Construction of the schools with more than 70 thousand seats has been implemented in the country within the project period. 190 new school buildings have been constructed within the framework of the Program during 2005-2006 in all 62 regions of Azerbaijan ; educational centers have been completed with the up-to-date equipment.

In the framework of the “Support to Education” Project, 6 kindergartens have been completely repaired and equipped as an institution of first stage of education. According to the Project 60000 students, who went into the first grade in 2004-2006 and who were from families with financial difficulties or left their permanent places of residence as a result of Armenian aggression towards Azerbaijan were provided with schoolbags and school materials. Besides, the schools are regularly provided with books and other publications.

Women have equal rights and opportunities to participate in sports and physical education and these rights and opportunities are not restricted at all. All sports facilities are equally available to both men and women.

There is no sex stereotyping in educational programs and curricula. The gender analysis of textbooks has been conducted by the support of the Ministry of Education.

There are also specialized schools in different spheres to make easier vocational choices for both men and women.

Article 11. Employment

Women’s participation in the labour market

The State recognizes that women make a crucial contribution to the economy, both in their role as workers and carers, and is fully committed to equal opportunities in the labour market, encouraging family-friendly employment policies. One of the most important changes in Azerbaijani society in recent decades has been women’s increased participation in the labour market. The proportion of women in the labour force has been increasing and this trend is likely to continue. The main challenge of the Republic of Azerbaijan is now the creation of new high-paid jobs with high salary and the policy in this sphere is being constantly conducted by the Government.

Whilst in 2005, 9163 women were provided with relevant jobs by the placement services of the Republic and over 572 women were involved in professional trainings, in 2007, 70 527 women were provided with relevant jobs by the placement services of the Republic out of which 7476 women received trainings to enhance their skills in different fields, retraining and courses of professional development; 8295 women were involved in paid social jobs.

During the above mentioned period of time 23 935 women have got the unemployment status and were granted unemployment allowance.

Guiding the Decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan ‘’On implementation of State women policy in the Republic of Azerbaijan ” dated March 6, 2000 and the Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan ‘’On employment’’, stipulates that preference is to be given to the employment of women by Employment Services. In Labour Fairs organized by Employment Services in 2007, special attention was given to the provision of women with relevant jobs. Thus in 2007, in those fairs out of 9056 persons, 3321 women (36,7%) were provided with jobs. In the same year, out of 1698 persons, 824 women (48,5%) were provided with jobs by quota.

In 2007, out of 30700 persons who were provided with relevant jobs, 11331 (36,9%) were women. 45,5% of 2623 persons involved in professional trainings were women.

In pursuance of a full implementation of the Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan “On guarantees of gender equality”, there have been several amendments to the Labor Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan . According to some of these amendments, employers are obliged to:

provide equal treatment and equal opportunities for women and men in the process of recruitment, promotion, raising professional skills, retraining, assessment of labor quality and dismissal;

Create equal working conditions for employees occupying the same positions regardless of sex, impose the same penalty for the same breach, undertake necessary measures to prevent gender discrimination and sexual harassment.

One of the amendments prohibits the advertisement of a vacancy for one sex to the exclusion of the other sex except in special cases as prescribed by legislation.

Vulnerable groups of women

The State Program on implementation of Employment Strategy approved by the Order of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan on 15 th May 2007, aims at increasing the employment of socially vulnerable groups of the population especially women and young people. The Strategy includes professional training of unemployed women, conducting researches on the underlying causes of unemployment among women etc.

The Republic of Azerbaijan provides additional guarantees to persons especially those in need of social protection and facing difficulties with job placement (young people, girls under 20, parents, bringing up one or more children under full age, women bringing up disabled children, citizens released from prison, IDPs, war veterans, families of martyrs) through creation of new job places and specialized enterprises, as well as organization of special educational programs and other relevant measures.

The issues of provision with jobs of population, especially socially vulnerable groups – single mothers and mothers of many children, women bringing up children under full age and disabled children is always under supervision of placement services through directing them to jobs in organizations and institutions by quota. During the period of 1997-2005, 4696 women were provided with job places by quota.

The labor fairs periodically organized in the cities and regions of the country are also directed at provision of women with jobs. 712 women (37%) out of 18123 women provided with jobs as a result of these labor fairs were involved in paid social jobs.

During the recruitment process, preference is given to women, especially to those from the territories occupied by Armenia by placement services. Thus, out of 1800 persons provided with relevant jobs in functioning enterprises and household, 462 are women.

Pension and retirement

According to the Law “On retirement pension” which has come into force in January 1, 2006, men who have reached the age of 62 with work experience of not less than 5 years, and women who have reached the age of 57 with work experience of not less than 5 years have the right to retire and receive retirement pensions from the Government. Women having three children and bringing them up till the age of eight, with work experience of more than 5 years, have the right to retire on a pension at the age of 51. With increasing the age of each child, woman’s retirement age and number of years at work reduces by a year.

Family-friendly employment policies

In recognition of the importance of and growth in women’s participation in the labour market, the State is committed to helping women and men to balance work and family life. Accordingly, a range of family friendly rights have been introduced.

Guarantees on parental leave have been included in the new amended Labour Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan as follows:

Article 117 – provides additional leave to women with 2 children under 14, to women with disabled children under 16, to men bringing up children alone; the article applies to adopted children.

Article 125 – paid maternity leave for a term of 126 calendar years; special leave for women working in agriculture.

Article 126 – Rights for leave to women with adopted children.

Article 246 – guarantees and rights of employees bringing up children without mother.

According to the amendment to the Labour Code, social vacation for child care will be provided for all employees regardless of sex.

Labour Inspectorate

The State Labour Inspection has expanded its activities in order to strengthen State control over implementation of all labour legislation. Whilst in 2006, 1064 institutions were subjected to the state control, in 2007 the number rose to 2421. In 2007, 12127 cases of alleged violations of rights were reported.

Women in business

Women entrepreneurs make an increasingly important contribution to the business sector. The number of women engaged in entrepreneurship activities has increased by 6,2% (79147) according to information as at 1st January 2008.

Both the State Program on Poverty Reduction and Sustainable Development in the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Employment Strategy of the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2006-2015 approved by the Presidential Order of 26 October, 2005 envisage a set of measures aimed at ensuring women’s employment , including by fostering women’s entrepreneurship, providing gender equality in the process of development of small enterprises etc. A separate section in the Employment Strategy envisages wide application of flexible forms of work for women that would allow for better reconciliation of family and career.

Women entrepreneurship in Azerbaijan has mainly developed in the spheres of textile and agriculture mainly. Government is fully conscious that policy support for women can be successful in increasing both the number of start-ups and the long-term growth potential of women-owned businesses.

In recent years, a range of significant measures have been taken and different mechanisms have been established for the development of women entrepreneurship. Since 2007, the National Foundation for Support to Entrepreneurship has expanded the sources of financing to women entrepreneurs. In addition, the established micro-credit mechanisms are playing a great role in the provision of primary capital. The mechanisms of credit lines on the financing of small and medium enterprises in the country, established together with international and regional financial institutions have created wider opportunities for those starting their business activities.

Another major state support to the development of women entrepreneurship has been in the form of increasing technical provision of a series of services including- consultation, information services etc.

Within the framework of the State Program ‘’On Social-economic development of regions of the Republic of Azerbaijan’’ (2004-2008) approved by the Presidential Decree of February 11, 2004, #24, the establishment of a Business Training Center is envisaged which will provide entrepreneurs with consultation, information, marketing and training services. Regional departments have already been established in several regions of the country. Regional Business Centres will improve the information, consulting and training services. There are already a number of public unions of women entrepreneurship. In 2005, the Association of Women Entrepreneurs was established in order to actively deal with all the problems of women entrepreneurs.

According to another amendment to the Labor Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan women who are on maternity leave until their children reach three years and working for less than a year in a certain position after the end of the leave and men bringing up their children alone can not be subjected to attestation.

According to the relevant provision of the Labor Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan regulating the rules of denunciation of labor contract by employee, labor contract of the employee can be denounced on the day mentioned in the application in case of retirement for age and disability reasons, entering educational institution to continue his/her education, moving to a new house, making labor contract with another employer, facing sexual harassment and other cases prescribed by legislation.

According to the amendment to the Labor Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, employer bears financial responsibility in case of employee’s facing sexual harassment.

Article 12. Women and health

The Republic of Azerbaijan places a high priority on healthcare. It not only grants women equal access to healthcare resources, but also pays attention to the special healthcare needs of women. The Government recognizes that gender is an important aspect of health inequalities. The Ministry of Health of the Republic of Azerbaijan continues to place a gender perspective at the centre of all its policies and programmes when it addresses women’s health. The Government also closely monitors the quality of the provision of health services to women by both the public and the private sector, to ensure equal access and quality of care.

In 2006 the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Azerbaijan initiated a project on healthcare reforms which involved related state bodies and international organizations (UNFPA, World Bank, USAID, WHO, UNICEF). It incorporates a comprehensive national strategy to promote quality health care with a focus on women’s health throughout their life span. Within the framework of the project, emphasis was placed on an increase in the number of beds; on the need for increased financial resources and the development of quality medical care.

Preventive services

The Ministry of Health of the Republic of Azerbaijan plays a major role in educating and encouraging the public to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Many programmes and health promotion activities targeting both men and women, are regularly organized. The State pays special attention to female illnesses and special programmes are organized for women. The focus of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Azerbaijan is firstly on the regular provision to women of information and education on their health, especially in the area of sexual and reproductive health and adequate resources for such programmes have been allocated.

Maternal services

The Ministry of Health of the Republic of Azerbaijan remains committed to the principle of putting women at the centre of maternity services planning. In recent years it has focused a lot of attention and invested tremendously in the provision of health care services to women in the area of family planning, pregnancy, confinement and during the post-natal period. The Ministry of Health of the Republic of Azerbaijan is prioritizing on the prevention of unwanted pregnancy through family planning and sex education, the reduction of maternal mortality through safe motherhood services and prenatal assistance.

Firstly, considerable progress has been made in developing readily available information sources aimed at ensuring that women are getting full information and choices throughout pregnancy and childbirth. In the period 2004-2006, the number of free, state obstetrical institutions (prenatal and neonatal centers, maternity departments, antenatal clinic) which provide qualified medical service during pregnancy and puerperal period had increased.

Existing infrastructure for pregnant women and newborn children is also regularly expanding with the developing private sector. Thus, at present there are 559 private medical institutions in the Republic from which 536 are outpatient departments and 7 are obstetrical institutions.

Family Planning services

Family planning services are also widely available. Measures on family planning and the establishment of medical-social patronage services were efficiently realized during recent years. Well-equipped family planning centers that protect reproductive rights of women have been established with the assistance of international organizations such as UNFPA, WHO, USAID. These centers raise awareness among population on reproductive rights of women and provide free consultations, advice and contraceptives. The focus is on increasing and improving access to contraception, sexual health advice, pregnancy testing through a wide dissemination of publications in order to better sensitize them and to provide them with a broader understanding of the issue.

Programmes

In 2000-2006, the “Protection of Reproductive Health” project was implemented in cooperation with international organizations. During the realization of the project, a special IT program was prepared for the collection of information on indicators of family planning and reproductive health. The staff of such centers was also trained in the collection and analysis of statistical data.

The “ State Program on Azerbaijani Youth” for 2005-2009 approved by the Presidential Order on 30 August, 2005 includes a separate section on state support to young families. This section inter alia provides for a set of measures aimed at increasing knowledge of young people on reproductive health and family planning .

A National office on Reproductive Health and Family Planning was established with the assistance of UNFPA. Within the framework of the “Protection of reproductive health” project, all centers were provided with contraceptives in a total sum of $ 1 450 000.

27 trainers were trained by the experts of Johns Hopkins University . Training materials on “Family planning”, “Reproductive Health” and “Safe maternity” topics were prepared for trainings conducted for medical staff. More than 2500 obstetrician-gynecologists, about 250 obstetricians, 300 ambulatory doctors and nurses and more than 100 pharmacists attended these trainings.

Organizational-methodological support to the maternal hospitals and family planning centers were provided by the Institute of Scientific-research on Obstetrics and Gynecology for rendering qualified and specialized services to women.

From 2007 a “GYNUITY, New York ” project on the application of medical abortion was commenced in maternal hospitals. Within the framework of the project researches are being successfully conducted.

At present the medical staff of the country consists mainly of women. There are sufficient number of hospitals and ambulatory-policlinics that render necessary medical services to women.

Challenges ahead

A major challenge for the Government is equal access of all women. Although central regional hospitals are functioning in each administrative region of the country including advanced medical service departments and cabinets for women, access of the population to these services is spread out unequally according to the social-economic and geographical situation. In line with it, part of the community, especially women, still remain ignorant about health issues especially about their sexual and reproductive health.

i) Rural women

One of the priorities of the Republic of Azerbaijan is the provision of necessary medical services to rural women. There are 1746 first-aid and obstetrical stations, 792 ambulatories and 50 area hospitals in rural areas of the country.

Women and children living in provinces have easy access to advanced medical services, such as therapy, pediatrics, obstetrical and gynecology, surgery.

12 first-aid regional stations provided with ambulance cars and necessary equipments are established by the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Azerbaijan in order to improve medical services for women living in mountainous regions.

Major indicators on Health (State Statistical Committee of the Republic of Azerbaijan )

	2004	2005	2006
Number of all doctors (thousand)	29,7	30,1	30,6
For every 10 000 people	36,4	36,6	36,6
Number of paramedical personnel (thousand)	59,5	59,7	60,8
For every 10 000 people	73,1	72,6	73,1
Number of the hospitals	734	732	729
Number of the beds, thousand	68,1	68,4	68,9
For every 10 000 people	83,6	83,1	82,9
Number of the maternity hospital (independent)	26	26	26
Number of maternity sections	85	90	90
Number of ambulatory policlinics	1591	1594	1595
Capacity of ambulatory policlinics (thousand)	105,0	105,3	104,1
For every 10 000 people	128,9	127,9	125,2
Number of the women consultations and number of institutions that include women consultation	314	321	321
Number of the beds for pregnant women and women recently confined (including medical examination and gynecologist beds) (thousand)	7,4	7,4	7,4
Number of the family planning centers	26	26	27

Number of doctors and paramedical personnel (State Statistical Committee of the Republic of Azerbaijan )

	2004	2005	2006
Number of the recruited employees in healthcare and social services (thousand)	130,2	131,9	135,3
Number of recruited women in healthcare and social service (thousand)	97,8	100,4	103,2
Percentage of women recruited in healthcare and social service	75,1	76,1	76,3

The Ministry of Health of the Republic of Azerbaijan pays great attention to provision of refugees and IDPs with medical services (1/8 part of the population, especially women and children). Major part of this group of population that lived before in 12 tent settlements were resettled in urban settlements with advanced social infrastructure and medical centers by the Government.

ii) Refugees and IDPs

Provision of refugees and IDPs with health services is much more difficult than provision of medical care for other group of population. In spite of it, all medical centers in districts resettled with refugees and IDPs are supplied with medical equipments and necessary medicament for first medical aid. It facilitates operation of special mobile doctor brigades organized by the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Azerbaijan for medical examination of refugees and IDPs. Despite all undertaken measures, there are still some problems in provision of this vulnerable group of population, especially those of women and children with health services, consisting of usage of drinkable water, adherence to hygiene and sanitary conditions, lack of medicaments and contraceptives and also migration of that group of population causing increase of infectious diseases.

Azerbaijan has achieved substantial progress in immunization of children that covers 98% of children who are under 1 year. Immunization of the child is compulsory and this service is provided free of charge.

Analysis of demographic situation in the country is conducted on the basis of information gathered with the help of unified methodology for data collection and analysis regarding protection of maternity.

In recent years reproductive behavior of women has changed, general indicator of birth rate has increased from 16,1 (2004) to 17,8 (2006), whereas death indicator has decreased to 6,2 (2006). Natural increase of the population has grown in 1,6 times.

Total number of population is 8 436 400 for January 1, 2007. Women consist 50,8% of this population from which 59% belong to childbearing age groups. Respectively, number of men constitute 49,2% of the population. One can observe equalization of number of women and men in recent years. Life duration during last 3 years reached 72,0 (women – 75,1, men – 70,0).

Demographic indicators (State Statistical Committee of the Republic of Azerbaijan )

Indicators	2004	2005	2006
Total number of population (mln)	8265,4	8347,3	8436,4
Women	4207,2	4243,6	4284,2
50,90%	50,80%	50,80%
Men	4058,5	4103,7	4152,2
49,10	49,20	49,20
Birthrate (for every 1000 persons)	131,6 16,1	141,9 17,2	148,9 17,8
girls	60,6	65,7	68,7
boys	71,0	76,2	80,2
Death rate (for every 1000 persons)	49,5 (6,1)	52,0 (6,3)	52,2 (6,2)
Women	23.5	24.5	24.6
Men	26,0	27,5	27,6
Natural increase (for every 1000 persons)	10,0	10,9	11,6
Fertility indicator	2,1	2,3	2,3
Average life duration (in whole country)	72,0	72,4	72,0
Women Men	75,2	75,1	75,1
70,0	69,6	70,0

New definition of maternity death has been determined since 2001 that is in compliance with standard definition adopted by the World Health Organization (WHO).

In spite of high pregnancy level that consists 94%, maternal death rate still remains high -39,5 (for every 100 000 live born child). In line with it, coverage of qualified medical service at birth is high (98%), but quality of these services is not in proper level, rate of complications in hypertensive derangements during pregnancy is caused by lack of qualified prenatal care. In comparison with previous years in 2006 maternal death has increased in 1,05 times in towns and 1,4 times in regions. In general, maternal death rate has increased in 2006 in comparison to 2005 in 1,2 times.

Maternal death (Ministry of Health of the Republic of Azerbaijan )

	2004	2005	2006
Total number of people died	34	41	51
For every 100 000 live-born children	25,8	33,3	39,5

The structure of maternal death have not changed. Bleeding (34,0%), gestosis (21,3%), embolism (19,2%), septic conditions (19,9%) and extragenital pathologies (8,5%) prevail among the causes of maternity death. According to preliminary research of Information Department of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Azerbaijan risk of fatal outcome during pregnancy are different in towns (1:1250) and regions (1:600). Unfortunately there is an imbalance and deficiency in provision with personnel. The staff of obstetrics gynecologists is 40% of all medical staff in the regions.

Maternity death on major causes of death

Death causes	2004	2005	2006
Total number of women died from all causes	565,2	582,8	579,9
From which:
Diseases of blood circulation	346,4	347,2	349,1
Neoplasm	66,3	68,1	67,7
Accidents, poisoning, trauma	13,3	15,9	14,6
Diseases of respiratory apparatus	37,2	35,3	32,9
Diseases of digestive system	34,4	36,0	36,7
Infectious and parasitogenic diseases	6,8	6,2	5,2

For last five years (2002-2006) in Republic there can be observed tendency to reduction of child mortality. Child mortality indicator made 10,1 (for every 1 000 live-born), indicator of neonatal death – 7,1 (for every 1 000 live-born).

Infant mortality (children under 1 year) (State Statistical Committee of the Republic of Azerbaijan )

	2004	2005	2006
Total number of died children until 1 year	1287	1321	1508
Of which:
Boys	757	747	859
Girls	530	574	649
For 1000 live-born infants Total number of died children under 1 year	9,8	9,3	10,1
Of which
Boys	10,7	9,8	10,7
Girls	8,7	8,7	9,4

Infant mortality on major causes of death, boys (children under 1 year)

Causes of death	2004	2005	2006
Total number of infants died under 1 year of all causes	1141	959	879
Diseases of respiratory apparatus	294	284	219
Conditions arising during prenatal period	565	416	459
Infectious and parasitogenic diseases	83	63	49
Inborn anomalies	82	77	67
Accidents, poisoning, trauma	9	16	5

Infant mortality on major causes of death, girls (children under 1 year)

Causes of death	2004	2005	2006
Total number of infants died under1 year of all causes	751	621	620
Diseases of respiratory apparatus	230	240	158
Conditions arising during prenatal period	309	217	301
Infectious and parasitogenic diseases	59	44	38
Inborn anomalies	64	48	50
Accidents, poisoning, trauma	5	7	5

Child mortality rate has considerably decreased.

Causes of death	2004	2005	2006
Total number of died children under 5 years from all causes	1582	1411	1181
From which:
Diseases of respiratory apparatus	173	186	109
Infectious and parasitogenic diseases	33	31	24
Inborn anomalies	25	23	25
Accidents, poisoning, trauma	47	49	38

Child mortality on main reasons (under 5 years), girls

Reasons of mortality	2004	2005	2006
Number of all children died under 5 years old	1132	995	872
Of them: Respiratory organs diseases	177	184	94
Infectious and parasitic diseases	39	34	28
Congenital aperiodicities	20	19	14
Accidents, poisonings and traumas	28	37	24
To every 1000 of born alive Number of all children died till 5 years	16.5	14.5	12.7
Of them:
Respiratory organs diseases	2.6	2.7	1.4
Infectious and parasitic diseases	0.6	0.5	0.4
Congenital aperiodicities	0.3	0.3	0.2
Accidents, poisonings and traumas	0.4	0.5	0.3

Contraceptives was brought to Azerbaijan by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) but since 2004, the donor aid for the provision of contraceptives was stopped . Demand for all types of contraceptives among women remains at 7%, whereas the demand for modern types of contraceptives makes 31%. The main matter of concern is that, the same figure makes 12% and 53% among married women (CDC, Reproductive and Health Survey, 2001). The situation has worsened in the country as a result of lack of production of contraceptives, as well as provisional system of guaranteed contraceptives. The majority of population, as well as vulnerable groups can not get contraceptives because of the financial problems.

The use of contraceptive methods (State Statistical Committee of the Republic of Azerbaijan )

	2004	2005	2006
The total number of women using intrauterine contraceptive - thousand persons	33.0	29.5	24.5
To every 100 women within 15-49 ages limit	1.3	1.2	1.0
The total number of women using hormonal contraceptives – thousand persons	42.7	33.8	25.4
To every 100 women within 15-49 ages limit	1.7	1.3	1.0
The total number of women subjected to sterilization	189	239	187
To every 100 women within 15-49 ages limit	7.6	9.5	7.3
The total number of women using condoms – thousand persons	-	-	8.5
To every 100 women within 15-49 ages limit	-	-	1.4

Abortions

Naturally, as a result of suspension of provision with contraceptives, the increasing number of abortions is observed (The Ministry of Health). According to official data the registration of all abortions is not conducted. Thus, the abortion factor had comprised 7.8-8.1 for every 1000 women (15-49 ages) during last 5 years.

But, according to the latest information, the average number of abortions had comprised 3.2 for every reproductive aged women (CDC – 2001 year) and this is one of the highest indicator among countries of European Region of World Health Organization.

Abortions on age limits (State Statistical Committee of the Republic of Azerbaijan )

	2004	2005	2006
The total number of abortions	19806	19586	20867
Of them: Till the age of 20	725	822	1014
Till the ages of 20-24	4555	4731	4765
Till the ages of 25-29	6681	6104	6643
Till the ages of 30-34	4832	4623	4896
Till the ages of 35-49	3013	3306	3549
The total number of every 1000 women (15-49)	8.0	7.8	8.1
Of them: Till the age of 20	1.6	1.8	2.2
Till the ages of 20-24	12.0	12.1	11.7
Till the ages of 25-29	19.9	17.8	19.0
Till the ages of 30-34	14.8	14.4	15.3
Till the ages of 35-49	3.0	3.2	3.4

HIV/ AIDS

Major responsibility on combating AIDS lies upon the Republican Center on Combat against AIDS and its functions comprise of awareness raising, prevention, education, registration and treatment of HIV/AIDS in the country. According to the information received from the Republican Centre on Combat against AIDS, an increasing number of HIV infected cases is registered in the country. During 1987-20.11.2007 years the HIV infections was registered totally in 1232 persons. 83.7% of them were men, 16.3% of them are women.

Major ways of HIV infection spread are injection usage of narcotics – 58.6% and heterosexual infection – 23.1%. 95.5% of HIV infected persons are the citizens of Azerbaijan .

For the first time, with the financial support of the Global Fund on “Combat with AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria” the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Azerbaijan implements project on the prevention, treatment and support to HIV/AIDS infected persons, improvement of access to medical services and needs of high risk groups is realized since 2004.

Since 2006 the prevention of HIV infection of child from mother is realized within the framework of this program.

A Program has been initiated by the Republican Center on Combat Against AIDS with the support of UNICEF and the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Azerbaijan for the organization of Adults Friendly Medical services. A Task Force was established for training of medical staff in the field of principles of healthcare of adolescent persons on the Program “Orientation and National Basis”.

Medical and social aid to HIV/AIDS infected persons and their family is being improved. The children born of HIV-positive mothers are provided with artificial feeding free of charge. Palliative aid was organized for HIV/AIDS infected persons in hospitals and at home.

Beginning from November 2006, the application of High Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) to HIV/AIDS infected people was started. Number of infected persons involved to treatment made 85, of which 23 of them are women. With the purpose of prevention of infection of child acquired HIV from mother, a pregnant woman and a child had already received treatment. 5 pregnant women are taking treatment at present.

In 2006 5 children of 6 were born of HIV-positive mothers and in 2007 all the 7 children were born of HIV-positive mothers were provided with artificial feeding regime.

The other problem is the increase of sexually transmitted diseases, along with the HIV/AIDS. During 2004-2006 the cases of sexually transmitted diseases (STD) have increased as well as among pregnant women. Latent forms of syphilis have also increased and there are individual cases when neurosyphilis is registered. The cases of chronic diseases connected with sexually transmitted infections causing infertility, as well as breach of sexual health of both women and men are increasing.

Treatment and consultation with STD patients are held by experts of dermatovenereological service, and anonymous testing is also practiced. But, because of the absence of necessary equipment and supply, as well as low level of awareness of the community and lack of qualified personnel negatively impacts the quality of the service on STD.

In the National Strategy plan of action (2008-2010) on Reproductive Health , the Ministry of Health has envisaged control and prevention of HIV/AIDS/STD.

Activities on protection of health of mother and child

The analysis connected with the current situation had given a push to the establishment of demographic policy by the Government focused on reduction of mother and child mortality cases, strengthening of actions on reproductive health, protection of health of mother and child.

In 2005-2005 several Orders were adopted by the Republic of Azerbaijan directed to elaboration and application of effective preventive actions on improvement of health of mother and child, preventing of hereditary and acquired diseases: on thalassemia, hemophilia and pancreatic diabetes.

Number of persons having diabetes made 79698 in 2006 and 44166 of them were women (55%).

According to the Order #101 of the Cabinet of Ministers dated June 7, 2005 the Order “State Program on diabetes mellitus” was adopted. The Order envisages registration of pancreatic diabetics and establishment of data bank connected with the diabetic situation of population, on prevention of pancreatic diabetes among population, as well as organization of preventive actions among pregnant women and newborn children, provision of diabetics with free medicines and health resort treatment in state institutions.

The Ministry of Health of the Republic of Azerbaijan together with other ministries (the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Youth and Tourism, the Ministry of Finance) actively realizes the actions envisaged within the framework of the project.

In general, the system of medical and social actions focused on strengthening of health of children and mothers, assistance in organizing of actions on early revealing and preventive treatment of hemophilia and thalassemia by the State is more important.

High infection danger of population is observed in the country. Azerbaijan is in the leading ranks for the number of persons with thalassemia. One of every 12 persons is carrier of thalassemia. 200 children are born every year with this inherited pathology.

Hemophilia that transmits from women by heredity is also in the forefront. At present, the number of persons having hemophilia is 671 and 118 of them are women.

Taking into account the current demographic situation connected with inherited diseases comprising high percentage for early neonatal mortality reasons, a large scale State Program “On inherited blood diseases of hemophilia and thalassemia” was adopted for 2006-2010 by the Government. Several ministries and organizations as Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Youth and Sport, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of Population, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Trade Unions are involved in the implementation of the Program.

The main duties of the program are: activities on reduction of infecting and mortality cases of thalassemia and hemophilia; establishment of register of patients with such diagnosis; prevention of aggravations in persons with thalassemia and hemophilia; improvement of medical services; provision with comprehensive service and treatment in state institutions as well as medicines and blood.

With the purpose of prevention of children born with thalassemia a system of preventive measures are envisaged in the Program: voluntary treatment of young people in getting identity card; voluntary treatment of pregnant women appeal to obstetrical institutions with the purpose of determining thalassemia.

Establishment of centralized medical-genetic laboratory and the laboratory on prenatal diagnosis of thalassemia are envisaged In order to treat hemophilia, on the molecular-genetic level (2006-2010).

“Electron health card” has been initiated by The Ministry of Health and approved by the Cabinet of Ministers (Resolution #143 dated June 12, 2006) with the purpose of improvement of information system and reliability of information on health of the population. According to this system in The Ministry of Health was established register about health condition of every member of society. This register includes information about person, medical institution, given inoculations and other medical information permitted by legislation.

Elaboration of “Passport of newborn child” and its mainstreaming to the health system are planned by The Ministry of Health of the Republic of Azerbaijan .

The State Program “On protection of health of mother and child” for the period of 2006-2010 has been adopted in accordance with the Order of the Cabinet of Ministers of September 15, 2006. The State Program suggests more substantial strategy on strengthening of health of mother and child, protection of reproductive health of population, and first of all, it has focused on preservation of healthy gene pool.

The main issues of this Program are: protection of reproductive health of population and provision of safe maternity; increase level of proficiency medical staff working in the sphere of obstetrics and pediatrics, establishment of regional prenatal centers, improvement of material-technical resources of medical institutions providing obstetrical and pediatric services etc.

The Program also envisages elaboration of Plan of Action and Coordination Council has been established for conducting monitoring of the implementation of the Program. The foreseen Action Plan aims at construction of 7 prenatal centers in towns and regions of the country (2006-2010); provision of obstetrical institutions and neonatal departments with modern equipments (2006-2007); development of unified system of collecting and analyzing data base on health of mother and child (2006-2007); arrangement of documentation on application of live-birth criteria recommended by WHO (2006-2007), increasing level of proficiency of medical personnel working in the sphere of protection of maternity and childhood on reproductive health and family planning (2006-2010 years) etc.

21 324 000 (25 087 000 $) manats were allocated by the Government for the realization of the State Program. Financing is realized in phases according to the sum assigned by years. At present the State Program is carried out with full capacity.

Taking into account unsatisfactory indicators in reproductive health of women, high mother and child mortality rate, National Strategy on Reproductive and Sexual Health has been elaborated on the basis of analysis of situation in the sphere of reproductive health by the Ministry of Health with the support of World Health Organization (WHO), UN Population Fund (UNFPA) and other international organizations. The Strategy covers the period between 2008 and 2015.

The National Strategy is a model of complex solution of problems in reproductive health sphere and reflects the main directions, strategic objectives and tasks of the state policy in this field. Assuming the main issues as a basis, summary of the specific objectives has been defined and key tasks for its implementation; possible ways of solution and expected outcomes are considered and defined.

The National Strategy aims at improving reproductive health of all groups of population.

The crucial fields defined through analysis of reproductive health status included to the Strategy are:

Health of mother and newborn children;

Reproductive choice (family planning and safe abortion)

HIV/AIDS/STD;

The health of adolescent people;

Gender-based violence and sexual exploitation.

The solution of important issues in the field of reproductive health is reflected in the Plan of Action of the National Strategy: establishment of national legislative base on reproductive health of population; improvement of information system for collection, analysis and report of data in accordance with medical standards; increasing of access to family planning services and contraceptives; improvement of level of services on reproductive health; providing population with safe contraceptives etc.

The Plan of Action on implementation of National Strategy widely reflects Concluding Comments of the 37 th session of UN CEDAW Committee regarding provision of population with contraceptives and improvement of access to medical services for women living in rural areas as well as in mountainous regions.

In the Plan of Actions, there is envisaged to include all types of contraceptives into basic list of medicines of the Ministry of Health during the period of 2008-2009. The Plan of Actions also envisages activities on improvement of reproductive health of women living in rural and mountainous areas.

Article 13. Equality in economic life

Recent years the economy of Azerbaijan has been considerably developed. For the last 5 years Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country has been increased and it is expected to grow up to 2.3 times in 2008 in comparison with 2003.

Economic advancement of women, who constitutes more than a half of the population, is one of the main tasks of the Government. According to the statistical data from 3369, 7 thousand women who is over 15 years old, 2865, 3 (85%) thousand are able-bodied. For distribution of able-bodied women by the economic regions please see the Table:

Economic regions	Persons	Percentage
Baku city	666,5	23,3
Absheron economic region	147,6	5,2
Ganja-Gazakh economic region	376,5	13,1
Sheki-Zagatala economic region	181,7	6,3
Lenkeran economic region	261,1	9,1
Guba-Khachmaz economic region	155,1	5,4
Nakhchivan economic region	124,9	4,4
Fully or partly occupied regions
as well as
Upper Garabagh economic region	211,1	7,4
Kelbejer-Lachin economic region	71,6	2,5

The State Statistics Committee has shown 2014,4 thousand women (70,3%) from 2865,3 thousand able-bodied women as economic active population, 1880,2 thousand women (65,5%) as employed women. Please see following Table for distribution of employed women in country’s economy.

	Total	as well as women	Distribution of 1880,2 thousand employed women by the spheres, %
thousand persons	percentage
Employed persons	3983,5	1880,2	47,2	100
Production sphere	2073,0	889,3	42,9	47,3
Agriculture, hunting and forestry	1565,0	812,2	51,9	43,2
Fishery	8,3	1,9	22,7	0,1
Industry	257,1	60,1	23,4	3,2
Extractive industry	57,6	5,6	9,8	0,3
Manufacturing industry	146,8	48,9	33,3	2,6
Electric energy, gas and water production and sharing	52,7	5,6	10,7	0,3
Construction	242,6	15,0	6,2	0,8
Service industries	1910,5	990,9	51,9	52,7
Gross and retail sale, repair of cars, furnishings and items of personal use	744,3	432,4	58,1	23,0
Hotel and public catering	46,4	15,0	32,4	0,8
Transportation and communication	159,6	16,9	10,6	0,9
Financial activity	51,5	22,6	43,8	1,2
Activity regarding immovable property	23,8	5,6	23,7	0,3
Public administration, social security	142,5	39,5	27,7	2,1
Education	351,3	229,4	65,3	12,2
Healthcare and social services	166,1	118,5	71,3	6,3
Services on household	83,8	37,6	44,9	2
Other public, social and personal services	131,6	71,4	54,3	3,8

A number of initiatives have been taken by the Government, international organizations, as well as local NGOs to increase the employment opportunities of women and to provide them with necessary resources and skills to start and develop their businesses.

In this regard the Order of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan “On provision of activity of subjects dealing with entrepreneurship on the basis of “one window” principle” from October 25, 2007 worth mentioning. The new system has been applied since January 1, 2008. Application of this system will considerably simplify the registration of entrepreneurship activity. This is especially important for strengthening small and medium business in Azerbaijan . The essence of the system is simplifying the procedure for starting business for the persons wiling to deal with entrepreneurship activities.

Establishment of gender budgeting system is a major guarantor of equal division of state financial resources in favor of both sexes, ensuring economic equality between women and men. In order to solve gender problems arising from financial reasons, it was deemed necessary to develop the concept of gender budgeting. As an initial result of the researches in this sphere, our Committee together with the United Nations Population Fund has published a book on “Gender Review of the Budget of Azerbaijan”. It highlights gender analysis of the budget and statistical data in this field.

Besides, the State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs has prepared proposals on gender budgeting in Azerbaijan and has submitted it to the Cabinet of Ministers. The objective of the proposals is to conduct gender review of the state budget and take into consideration the gender factor in distribution of financial resources.

In order to support the development of women entrepreneurship, regular meetings are held with women entrepreneurs in order to find out their problems. A recent Conference was held in cooperation with the Ministry of Economic Development in April 18, 2008 where a CEDAW expert had the opportunity to participate.

Social welfare fund

According to the legislation of the Republic of Azerbaijan , there is no any difference between women and men in any payment and social protection.

According to the existing legislation, a range of allowances are provided for families with children.

Allowances for maternity and birth for working women at the rate of 100% of average wage;

Monthly allowance at the rate of 30 manats (equals to approx. 35 USD) for child care at the period of vacation until reaching age of three;

One-time dowries at the rate of 35 manats (equals to approx. 40 USD) on birth of each child;

Monthly allowance at the rate of 20 manats (equals to approx. 25 USD) to the children of military servants;

Monthly allowance at the rate of 5 manats (equals to approx. 8 USD) to the children of disabled veterans of 1990 January events;

Monthly allowance at the rate of 10 manats (equals to approx. 15 USD) to the children of the martyrs’ family;

Monthly allowance at the rate of 5 manats (equals to approx. 8 USD) to the juvenile children of the families suffered from Chernobyl NPP tragedy;

Allowance at the rate of 100% of average monthly wage for looking after a sick child.

The above mentioned social allowances which target women specifically, and in some cases men as well, lead to an improvement in the welfare of families.

At present social welfare system is undergoing reforms which are directed to reinforce its ability to target and provide social allowances to low-income families. In this regard, the Law of the Azerbaijan Republic “On state direct social aid” has come into force.

This tendency facilitates the adoption of state programs on reducing the level of poverty, on social-economic development of the regions, on reforms of pensions system, on direct social aid, on a new national employment strategy, on forming of the state migration policy and on improvement of welfare of the population including young people. pays Special attention is paid to the reforms and improvement of the living standards of the population in the country, because developing rate of employment and comprehensive social policy are main factors of the development of economy.

Recreational activities and sports facilities

On 23 rd December 1997, Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan “On physical training and sport” came into force. The main object of the Law is provision of healthy lifestyle and comprehensive human development through physical training and sport, prevention of diseases and harmful habits among population, increasing lifetime and etc. One of the main duties of the Law is ensuring rights of citizens to indulge in sports.

With Order of the Cabinet of Ministers dated 3 rd February 2000 “State Program on development of physical training and sport” for the period of 2004-2008 was approved. Main objectives of the Law are raising the level of physical development of population, creation of necessary conditions for ensuring the development of physical training and sport among population, ensuring training of perspective and professional sportsmen and etc. In accordance with this Program, creation and improvement of system for development of sport and physical training among children and youth is one of the major aspects of governmental and non-governmental organizations of the country. With this purpose, 12 Olympic complexes function in different regions of Azerbaijan , 17 of such complexes is constructed at present. More than 400 sport centers and facilities exist in the country where both boys and girls can realize their rights to sport and physical training without any difficulties. Basketball, volleyball, handball, track and field athletics, table tennis, draughts and chess are among the prevalent kinds of sport among women.

One of the major directions of state youth policy is care for young families. The Republic of Azerbaijan takes serious measures for increasing state care for young families, increasing the role of state in solution of social problems that young families face in society, preparation of young people to family life through awareness-raising activities, organizing leisure of young families, raising awareness about the right way of child upbringing in families, maintaining of and propaganda about moral and ethnic values, cultural and historical heritage of the Azerbaijani nation. Thus, every year on the eve of International Family Day national festival “My family” the participants of which are young families with their children. In the framework of the festival exhibitions, contests and competitions are held among the young families and winners are awarded with prizes.

Besides, in order to give the families access to healthy lifestyle and raising attention to physical development of population sporting event “Father, mother and I are sporting family”

Article 14. Rural women

Rural women consist 48.2% of women population of the country and 63% of them are able-bodied.

Traditional women professions are revived and become the source of income of the families. In the result of land reforms, land becomes private property regardless of sex.

A range of NGOs and international organizations take necessary measures for strengthening the leadership qualities as well as increasing economic activities of women in regions. Thus, with the support of OSCE/ODIHR and local bodies regional women’s network has been established for solution of their problems.

Since 2001, large-scale program on development of agriculture in mountainous regions is implemented for 12 years.

Part IV

Article 15. Equality before the law

Women in detention

Under the Constitution of Azerbaijan, all persons are equal before the law and entitled to the equal protection of the law.

Like in other fields, in the penitentiary system too, necessary actions have been taken to ensure the protection of rights of sentenced women as a part of reforms carried out during recent years. Thus, the activity of the only existing punishment institution for sentenced women is in the limelight of Penitentiary service as well as numerous non-governmental and state organizations existing in the country, including human rights advocates. More than 30 visits and regular monitoring were realized by the non-governmental organizations in that institution during 2007. This matter is also the focus of attention of the State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairsof the Republic of Azerbaijan. The State Committee repeatedly visits the penitentiary institution for women, monitor the detention conditions of sentenced women and whenever necessary addresses the problems identified. In order to improve the health conditions of sentenced women, the State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs cooperates with the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Azerbaijanof the Republic of Azerbaijan. As a result of this cooperation, a medical brigade was established consisting of therapist, neuropathologist, cardiologist, oncologist, gynecologist, and laboratory assistant in order to examine the health conditions of imprisoned women. Different diseases were revealed in 324 sentenced women examined by therapists, 150 of them underwent electrocardiogram (ECG) examination. Pathological signs in blood were revealed in 273 women. The authority of the penitentiary institution was informed about these findings and requested to make appropriate arrangement for the treatment of those diseased women in proper hospital conditions.

At present, 266 women are serving sentence in the penitentiary institution for women. 241 of them are the citizens of the Republic of Azerbaijan , and 23 are foreign citizens. The majority of the sentenced women are imprisoned for the crimes of illegal circulation of drugs and murder. More detailed statistical information about imprisoned women is presented below:

	Total number of imprisoned persons	Of them women
2004	13.353	1.319
2005	13.711	1.272
2006	14.206	1.392
2007 (first 6 months)	6.823	577

The involvement of imprisoned persons in socially useful work in the institution is one of the central issues. Thus, up to 130 persons of this group of women were involved in paid jobs. Those women are engaged in carpet weaving and needlework shops, as well as in agricultural brigade. 90 sentenced women are involved in education. They receive professional training in five areas.

Another matter of concern is the efficient arrangement of leisure time of imprisoned women and their acquiring religious and moral values. In accordance with the existing legislation, amateur organization of imprisoned women also takes part in this process.

According to the Article 92.1 of the Code on Implementation of Punishments, in the prisons mothers together with their children under 3 years are provided with the special medical personnel and the 2 nd special floor-space for their living. Feeding of children living with their mothers in prisons is also in the center of attention. These women are provided with special baby food and hygienic equipment.

According to the legislation, these children can be delivered to their close relatives or other persons in accordance to the legislation or child institutions after reaching 3 years with the consent of their mothers. In spite of this, the sentenced women keep contact with their under-age children via telephone conversations and constant meetings organized by the staff of the punishment institution.

In the mentioned institution there is a medical unit with a bed capacity of 15 beds. Together with other medical services, there are services in gynecology as well as a laboratory; there is also a pediatrician available for the children.

Women with health problems are regularly seen by medical officers. If necessary, specialist doctors are called to attend to them. Comprehensive medical examination of imprisoned persons is regularly organized with the participation of the Ministry of Health and the State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan . Besides, according to an agreement achieved between the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Azerbaijan , a children’s clinic situated close to the penitentiary institution has been created in order to provide quality medical services to under-aged children from the institution.

Court system

Ensuring the right of appeal to the Court on an equal basis for women and men as one of the mechanisms for the realization and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms during judicial process, is one of the main judicial reforms realized in the country. Within the framework, of these reforms at the next stage of modernization of judiciary system the Decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan dated January 19, 2006 on application of the Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan “On modernization of judiciary system in the Republic of Azerbaijan” and “On changes and amendments to some legislative acts of the Republic of Azerbaijan” aiming at the establishment of new courts to meet demands of population for legal institutions and legal aid, ensuring the efficiency of judicial system as well as facilitating court appealing opportunities is one of the major steps in this direction. The Decree also envisages the establishment of below mentioned new courts:

Baku Court of Appeal – in Baku city;

Ganja Court of Appeal – in Ganja city;

Sumgayit Court of Appeal – in Sumgayit city;

Shirvan Court of Appeal – in Ali Bayramly city;

Sheky Court of Appeal – in Sheky city;

Court of Felonies of Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic – in Nakhchivan city;

Article 16. Eliminating discrimination against women in marriage and family relations

Taking into consideration the need for protection of women’s rights within the family and concluding comments of treaty bodies in accordance with implementation of international obligations on human rights the State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan has submitted proposals to the National Parliament for equalization of marriage age for women and men, making medical examination before the marriage and marital agreement compulsory.

Marriage age

In the Republic of Azerbaijan , marriage age is regulated on the basis of the Family Code. Thus, according to the Article 10.1 of the Family Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan , marriage age for men is set as 18, for women 17. Equalization of marriage age of women and men first of all stems from ensuring equal rights between women and men.

At the same time , the UN Convention on Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women puts an obligation on state parties to take all measures including legislative measures to eliminate discrimination against women.

Medical examination

Medical examination of persons entering the marriage is one of the acute problems that is often being discussed. At the present, this issue is regulated in accordance with the Article 13.1 of the Family Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan . According to the Code medical examination of persons entering the marriage is conducted in state and municipal medical institutions free of charge on their consent .

The analysis of the appeals entering the State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan shows that the lack of information of women and men about each other’s health status creates problems in the future.

In order to protect health of future generation, prevention of problems stemming from marriage, elimination of cases resulting in divorce, there is a suggestion to submit the results of medical examination to the relevant executive body.

Marital agreement

Although, the provisions connected with the concept, content and settlement of the marital agreement is existing Family Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan , its application has not been broadly spread in the country. The amendments to the legislation on the issue puts an obligation on state body accepting the appeal of the persons willing to enter the marriage to explain the legal importance, its duties and consequences and suggest to conclude marital agreement.

In relation with it, the State Committee for Family, Women and Children of the Republic of Azerbaijan intends to conduct awareness-raisng activities among population on importance of marriage contract.