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Azerbaijan to gradually transition IDP social support system to new model

12 June 2026 15:00 (UTC +04:00)

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

This is reflected in the amendment proposed to the Law “On the Social Protection of Internally Displaced Persons and Persons Equated to Them”, which was submitted for discussion at today's session of the Milli Majlis.

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.

The draft law was put to a vote and passed on first reading.

Firuza Vahid

IDPs internally displaced persons social protection social support Azerbaijan Milli Majlis liberated territories return process housing provision resettlement social benefits education support tuition fees state budget displaced persons social policy legislative amendments first reading parliament housing rights return to liberated territories social assistance rehabilitation reintegration Karabakh social welfare education funding government support IDP status Azerbaijan law resettlement policy