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Azerbaijan to gradually transition IDP social support system to new model

03 June 2026 12:48 (UTC +04:00)

Social support mechanisms related to internally displaced persons (IDPs) are being gradually transitioned to a new model, APA reports.

The provision is reflected in the proposed amendments to the Law on Social Protection of Internally Displaced Persons and Persons Equated to Them, which were discussed today at a joint meeting of the Milli Majlis Committees on Labor and Social Policy and Human Rights.

Currently, the social protection measures envisaged by the law remain in force for three years from the time conditions are created for IDPs to return to their former places of residence. For persons equated to IDPs, these measures remain in force until conditions are created for their return to their former places of residence or until they permanently settle elsewhere.

According to the draft law, the social protection measures provided for in the legislation will remain in force for three years from the date IDPs lose their IDP status.

Under the current law, IDPs may independently settle temporarily provided that this does not violate the rights and legitimate interests of other persons. In such cases, the relevant executive authorities must ensure the relocation of IDPs to another residential premises within the same settlement. The proposed amendment removes the requirement that the alternative housing be located within the same settlement. In other words, where such circumstances arise, the relevant executive authorities will be required to offer IDPs another residential premises.

According to the transitional provisions, for IDPs who, before the entry into force of this law, were provided free of charge with another place of residence in the liberated territories instead of their former place of residence, the period during which the social protection measures stipulated by the Law on Social Protection of Internally Displaced Persons and Persons Equated to Them remain valid will be calculated from the date they were provided with such housing.

At the same time, for IDPs who, before the entry into force of this law, were studying on a paid basis at state higher and secondary specialized educational institutions and whose tuition fees were covered by the state budget, those tuition fees will continue to be paid from the state budget until they complete their education.

Firuza Vahid

Azerbaijan internally displaced persons IDPs social support social protection Milli Majlis legislative amendments housing policy liberated territories resettlement social welfare education funding tuition fees labor and social policy human rights committee return process state support displaced persons social benefits housing assistance