The situation of child rights protection was investigated in state-run child care institutions under the Ombudsman’s NPM activities

The situation of child rights protection in state child care institutions is regularly monitored under the National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) mandate of the Ombudsman of Azerbaijan.  

The Ombudsman’s National Preventive Group (NPG) conducted recent monitoring visits to two boarding facilities in Sumgait city under the Ministry of Science and Education, such as the Boarding-Type Gymnasium and the Integrated Education Boarding-Type Gymnasium named after General M. Asadov.

The purpose of the visits was to assess the treatment of the children accommodated in these institutions and the protection of their rights, to examine their conditions, and to evaluate the quality and compliance of services with recognized standards.

During the monitoring visits, several shortcomings were identified.

In the Sumgait Boarding-Type Gymnasium, it was found that before a part of the dormitory building was used for various social purposes; consequently, it limited their place capacity, which resulted in partial assurance of the right to adequate living conditions of students.

In addition, a bathroom in the dormitory building was found to be in unusable condition, and the main academic building lacked sanitary facilities. The compliance of hygiene standards and the current needs of children were assessed in the context of the right to education in a healthy environment.  

Likewise, the NPG members found no effective mechanisms or specialized integration groups in the Integrated Education Boarding-Type Gymnasium named after General M. Asadov in order to ensure the genuine and effective inclusion of children with special needs in the learning process. Subsequently, this hinders the full enjoyment of these children of the right to inclusive education, along with restricting their right to equal opportunities.

During the assessment conducted in both boarding institutions, it was found that the clothing and footwear supply for children was not fully implemented in line with the norms established by Decision No. 15 of the Cabinet of Ministers of Azerbaijan dated 17 January 1994 as in some cases the supply was delayed, and the quantity and variety of items were found inadequate.

At the end of the visits, relevant recommendations were made to the management of both institutions for addressing shortcomings and more effective protection of children’s rights and legitimate interests. The recommendations were about to strengthen the material and technical infrastructure, improve living and educational conditions, ensure full compliance with sanitary and hygiene standards, and foster an inclusive environment.

This must be noted that the implementation of the recommendations made by the Ombudsman’s NPG will be followed up and similar monitoring visits to investigate child rights protection will be continued.

The official communication will be addressed to the Ministry of Science and Education regarding the results of the visits.