Child Labor and Forced Labor Reports
Azerbaijan
Minimal Advancement – Efforts Made but Continued Law that Delayed Advancement
In 2022, Azerbaijan made minimal advancement in efforts to eliminate the worst forms of child labor. The Ministry of Internal Affairs trained more than 700 police officers from 25 city and district police units on forced labor and human trafficking issues. In addition, the government continued efforts to integrate children with disabilities into mainstream education by establishing 12 more schools with inclusive classrooms, in addition to the existing 8 schools. However, despite new initiatives to address child labor, Azerbaijan is assessed as having made only minimal advancement because it has not rescinded a law that delays advancement in eliminating the worst forms of child labor. This law continues a moratorium on all worksite labor inspections. While inspectors can conduct desk reviews in response to complaints, this lack of proactive or onsite inspection mechanisms may leave potential violations of child labor laws undetected in workplaces. Children in Azerbaijan are subjected to the worst forms of child labor, including in forced begging. In addition, data are limited regarding how many children are currently engaged in child labor. In some instances, police treat children forced to beg or engage in street work as a family issue, leading to child labor cases not being properly referred for criminal investigation and prosecution.
Table 1 provides key indicators on children’s work and education in Azerbaijan.
| Children | Age | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Working (% and population) | 5 to 14 | 4.5 (70,034) |
| Working children by sector | 5 to 14 | |
| Agriculture | 91.9 | |
| Industry | 0.8 | |
| Services | 7.2 | |
| Attending School (%) | 6 to 14 | 94.3 |
| Combining Work and School (%) | 7 to 14 | 4.9 |
| Primary Completion Rate (%) | 94.3 |
Source for primary completion rate: Data from 2021, published by UNESCO Institute for Statistics, 2023. (1)
Source for all other data: International Labor Organization's analysis of statistics from the Child Labor Survey (SIMPOC), 2005. (2)
Based on a review of available information, Table 2 provides an overview of children's work by sector and activity.
| Sector/Industry | Activity |
|---|---|
| Agriculture | Farming, including harvesting potatoes and production of cotton, tea, and tobacco† (3-7) |
| Services | Street work, including begging, vending, carrying luggage, and gathering scrap metal (7-10) |
| Washing and repairing cars (11,12) | |
| Catering, activities unknown (8,12,13) | |
| Categorical Worst Forms of Child Labor‡ | Commercial sexual exploitation, sometimes as a result of human trafficking (3,8,9,14,15) |
| Forced begging (9,15-17) |
† Determined by national law or regulation as hazardous and, as such, relevant to Article 3(d) of ILO C. 182.
‡ Child labor understood as the worst forms of child labor per se under Article 3(a)–(c) of ILO C. 182.
Child labor in Azerbaijan occurs in the agriculture sector; however, data are limited regarding how many children are currently engaged in child labor in this or other sectors. (2,3,5,6,18) Although the prevalence of child labor in cotton harvesting appears to be small, there were reports in 2019 and 2020 that children under age 15 worked picking cotton and other crops to augment family incomes; however, no new reports were identified in 2021 or 2022. (3,15,19,20) Reports also indicate that children under age 17 engage in household work, on small family farms, or in family businesses. (17,21) Crop production in Azerbaijan is governed by a "priority" system that conditions agricultural subsidies, services, and access to public resources, such as irrigation water, on whether farmers produce one or more crops that the government has designated as high priority. (3) In some cases, regional and local government officials are held responsible for mobilizing sufficient labor to meet established production targets for one or more of these priority crops. (22,23) This system creates a risk that farmers and local officials may turn to exploitative labor practices, including child labor and forced labor, to ensure they are able to meet production targets for designated crops. (19,23) Street children, some of whom become homeless after they are released from government-run care institutions, and children from marginalized communities are also particularly vulnerable to human trafficking within Azerbaijan. (7,24,25)
Although Article 5 of the Education Law guarantees free universal education, undocumented children and children with disabilities face difficulty accessing education. (15) The court proceedings required to secure identification documents can take up to 2 or more years, during which time children without identification documents are ineligible to enroll and attend school or to access health services. (3,15,26) Some children with disabilities are not in school or are facing barriers to education caused by inaccessible infrastructure, lack of specialized training for teachers on inclusive education, and discrimination against individuals with disabilities. (17,27,28) Children from the Roma ethnic community also face barriers to education due to social stigma. (7,26) In addition, children in some rural areas have low rates of school attendance. (15,17,27) Children not attending school are vulnerable to child labor.
Azerbaijan has ratified all key international conventions concerning child labor (Table 3).
| Convention | Ratification |
|---|---|
| ILO C. 138, Minimum Age | ✓ |
| ILO C. 182, Worst Forms of Child Labor | ✓ |
| UN CRC | ✓ |
| UN CRC Optional Protocol on Armed Conflict | ✓ |
| UN CRC Optional Protocol on the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution and Child Pornography | ✓ |
| Palermo Protocol on Trafficking in Persons | ✓ |
The government has established laws and regulations related to child labor (Table 4). However, gaps exist in Azerbaijan's legal framework to adequately protect children from the worst forms of child labor, including the lack of criminal prohibitions for purchasing sex with a child.
| Standard | Meets International Standards | Age | Legislation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Age for Work | Yes | 15 | Articles 42 and 249 of the Labor Code; Article 192 of the Code of Administrative Offenses (29,30) |
| Minimum Age for Hazardous Work | Yes | 18 | Article 250 of the Labor Code; Article 192 of the Code of Administrative Offenses (29,30) |
| Identification of Hazardous Occupations or Activities Prohibited for Children | Yes | Articles 98, 250–252, and 254 of the Labor Code; Decree 58 of the Cabinet of Ministers in 2000; Article 9 of the Law on the Rights of the Child (29,31,32) | |
| Prohibition of Forced Labor | Yes | Article 35 of the Constitution; Article 144-2 of the Criminal Code (33,34) | |
| Prohibition of Child Trafficking | Yes | The Law on Trafficking in Persons; Article 144-1 of the Criminal Code (34,35) | |
| Prohibition of Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children | No | Articles 144-1 and 171 of the Criminal Code (34) | |
| Prohibition of Using Children in Illicit Activities | Yes | Article 28 of the Law on the Rights of the Child; Article 170 of the Criminal Code (32,34) | |
| Minimum Age for Voluntary State Military Recruitment | Yes | 19 | Article 36 of the Law on Military Obligation and Military Service (36) |
| Prohibition of Compulsory Recruitment of Children by (State) Military | Yes | Articles 2, 3, and 12 of the Law on Military Obligation and Military Service (36) | |
| Prohibition of Military Recruitment by Non-state Armed Groups | Yes | Article 116 of the Criminal Code (34) | |
| Compulsory Education Age | Yes | 15‡ | Article 19 of the Law on Education; Article 13 of the Law on General Education (37,38) |
| Free Public Education | Yes | Articles 5 and 19 of the Law on Education; Article 13 of the Law on General Education; Article 22 of the Law on the Rights of the Child; Article 42 of the Constitution (32,33,37,38) |
‡ Age calculated based on available information (37,38)
The laws criminalizing commercial sexual exploitation of children are insufficient because they do not criminalize the purchase of commercial sex involving children. Similarly, the criminalization of involvement of a child in "immoral actions" does not clearly criminalize the use or offering of a child for the production of pornography or pornographic performances. (34)
The government has established institutional mechanisms for the enforcement of laws and regulations on child labor (Table 5). However, the absence of worksite inspections conducted at the national level in Azerbaijan may impede the enforcement of child labor laws.
| Organization/Agency | Role & Activities |
|---|---|
| Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of Population (MLSPP) | Enforces labor laws related to the worst forms of child labor through the State Labor Inspection Service (SLIS). (17) All SLIS inspectors are trained to detect and respond to child labor and received training on child labor issues in 2022. (17) Due to the ongoing moratorium on all worksite labor inspections, passed in 2016, SLIS is only able to receive and respond to complaints through desk reviews. (27,39,40) Based on information received, inspectors are empowered to identify violations and impose appropriate penalties. Although SLIS can impose penalties directly against individuals, it must refer cases to the courts to levy penalties against corporate entities. (17,39) In addition, SLIS is able to identify potential minimum age violations by monitoring an electronic database of labor contracts, and has the authority to impose penalties for violations. (39,41) During the reporting period, SLIS drafted and submitted for the government’s approval a risk-based routine inspection plan. Approval of this plan will permit SLIS to resume limited routine labor inspections for occupational safety and health issues, including hazardous child labor, based on pre-identified risk groups of enterprises. (17,21) |
| Ministry of Internal Affairs (MoIA) | Central executive agency responsible for public security and the prevention of criminal offenses, including child trafficking and begging. (16,17) Through the Anti-Trafficking Division (ATD), enforces human trafficking laws, investigates human trafficking violations, to include child trafficking, and enforces criminal laws related to the use of children in illicit activities. (9,17) Refers children who are survivors of human trafficking to social services for assistance with school enrollment, participation in recreational activities, and procurement of proper documentation. (8,17) Operates a 24-hour hotline for the public to report suspected child trafficking and instances of child begging. (15) ATD serves as the National Coordinator of the Interagency Commission to Combat Trafficking in Human Beings, coordinates policies to counter trafficking in persons, and oversees implementation of the National Action Plan to Combat Trafficking in Human Beings. (3,42) Continued to preside over the work of the 33 entities, including government agencies and local executive authorities, involved in implementing the 2020–2024 National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking. (17) During the reporting period, MoIA trained more than 700 police officers from 25 city and district police bodies on trafficking prevention and prevention of forced labor. (17,43) |
Labor Law Enforcement
In 2022, the absence of worksite inspections conducted at the national level in Azerbaijan may have impeded the enforcement of child labor laws (Table 6).
| Overview of Labor Law Enforcement | 2021 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Labor Inspectorate Funding | Unknown (3) | Unknown (17) |
| Number of Labor Inspectors | 180 (15) | 182 (17) |
| Mechanism to Assess Civil Penalties | Yes (29,30) | Yes (29,30) |
| Training for Labor Inspectors Provided | Unknown | Yes (17) |
| Number of Labor Inspections Conducted at Worksite | 0 (15) | 0 (17) |
| Number of Child Labor Violations Found | 1 (15) | 0‡ (17) |
| Number of Child Labor Violations for Which Penalties Were Imposed | 1 (15) | 0‡ (17) |
| Number of Child Labor Penalties Imposed that Were Collected | 1 (15) | 0‡ (17) |
| Routine Inspections Conducted | No (15) | No (17) |
| Routine Inspections Targeted | N/A | N/A |
| Unannounced Inspections Permitted | No (44) | No (17) |
| Unannounced Inspections Conducted | N/A | N/A |
| Complaint Mechanism Exists | Yes (15) | Yes (17) |
| Reciprocal Referral Mechanism Exists Between Labor Authorities and Social Services | Yes (15) | Yes (17) |
‡ Data are from January 2022 to November 2022.
The government suspended all routine and unannounced labor inspections in 2016 as part of a broader anti-corruption drive. In 2017, this moratorium was extended until 2021 as part of an effort to stimulate small- and medium-business growth. (8,11,21,39,40) In early 2022, the government extended this moratorium through January 1, 2023. (45,46) The moratorium was then extended through the end of 2023. (43) In addition, there have been no indicators as to when the government anticipates a resumption of onsite inspections. (17,44,47) Although the State Labor Inspection Service (SLIS) is still able to receive and respond to complaints related to child labor and impose penalties in cases of violations, this response cannot include onsite inspections, and inspectors are limited to conducting desk reviews. (17,27,39,40) From January to November 2022, the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of Population (MLSPP) reported there were no cases of underage labor, forced child labor, or administrative offenses committed by employers related to the involvement of children in activities that could endanger their life or health. (17)
Research indicates that Azerbaijan does not have an adequate number of labor inspectors to carry out their mandated duties. (48) Government officials also assess the number of inspectors as insufficient to fully enforce child labor laws in Azerbaijan. (49) In addition, sources report a lack of coordination between law enforcement agencies. (15)
Criminal Law Enforcement
In 2022, criminal law enforcement agencies in Azerbaijan took actions to address child labor (Table 7). However, gaps exist within the operations of the criminal enforcement agencies that may hinder adequate criminal law enforcement, including a lack of investigations pertaining to forced begging cases.
| Overview of Criminal Law Enforcement | 2021 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Training for Criminal Investigators Provided | Yes (15) | Yes (17) |
| Number of Investigations | 0 (15) | 16 (17) |
| Number of Prosecutions Initiated | 0 (15) | 14 (17) |
| Number of Convictions | 1 (15) | 1 (17) |
| Imposed Penalties for Violations Related to the Worst Forms of Child Labor | Yes (15) | Yes (17) |
| Reciprocal Referral Mechanism Exists Between Criminal Authorities and Social Services | Yes (15) | Yes (17) |
In 2022, the government significantly increased its criminal law enforcement efforts. (41) From January to November 2022, the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MoIA) identified six cases of child trafficking. (17,43) MoIA reported that one criminal case was initiated in November 2022 for involving a child in prostitution and in child pornography. Four additional criminal cases were initiated for child trafficking, resulting in three prosecutions. (17) In addition, MoIA investigated 15 cases involving a child in criminal activity, a significant increase over previous years; however, it is unclear if any of those cases involved children in drug production, drug trade, or other forced labor. Of those cases, 13 ended in an indictment and 2 investigations are ongoing. (17) In 2022, the government sentenced one individual to 7 years and 6 months in prison in a child forced labor case. (17)
In 2022, the government increased its provision of training to address human trafficking. Employees of 139 migration offices of the State Migration Service received training on human trafficking, victim identification indicators, and children's rights issues. (43) Multiple government agencies and NGOs also participated in several anti-human trafficking-related trainings organized by IOM, with financial support from the U.S. Department of State and USAID. In addition, the MoIA and the Ministry of Education held educational seminars at 36 secondary schools to raise awareness of human trafficking. (43) Furthermore, the government distributed 7,000 educational booklets and 7,000 flyers on human trafficking to state agencies and offices, and a human trafficking awareness-raising video, produced by the State Committee for Family, Women, and Children Affairs (SCFWCA), aired on social media and public television. (43)
In 2022, reports indicate that law enforcement and other government agencies used human trafficking indicators when detecting potential victims of human trafficking among vulnerable populations, including children. (43) In some cases, police treat children begging or engaging in street work as a family issue rather than screening for indicators of forced begging. As a result, these situations are often referred to the Commission on Juvenile Issues and Protection of Minors' Rights for coordination of services, rather than to law enforcement agencies for investigation and, when warranted, criminal prosecution of forced begging cases. (8,25,50-52) In addition, research found that police declined to investigate potential forced begging cases and that children identified in child labor resumed work almost immediately after being identified by law enforcement officials. (3,9,49) Also, child labor law enforcement efforts are concentrated in Baku, with few investigations undertaken outside the capital. (53)
The government has established a key mechanism to coordinate its efforts to address child labor (Table 8). However, gaps exist that hinder the effective coordination of efforts to address child labor, including a lack of efficacy in accomplishing mandates.
| Coordinating Body | Role & Activities |
|---|---|
| Commission on Juvenile Issues and Protection of Minors’ Rights | Coordinates policies at the national level to protect children from the worst forms of child labor. Located within the Cabinet of Ministers and acts as a national-level version of district-level Commissions on Juvenile Issues and Protection of Minors' Rights, which are located in individual district Executive Commissions. (3) Although Commissions on Juvenile Issues and Protection of Minors' Rights exist at both the national and local levels, research was unable to determine the relationship between these respective national and local coordinating bodies. (3) |
In 2022, the government amended the Rules of the National Referral Mechanism for Victims of Human Trafficking to modify the Interagency Commission's composition and include NGO members, and to delegate the Commission with implementation of the National Referral Mechanism. (43,54,55) The SCFWCA also continued to regulate, implement, and coordinate child-related policies, including research on child labor. Although the SCFWCA is empowered to work with local governments, particularly district-level Executive Committees, to coordinate policy and research related to children and gather data on the situation of children and families in rural areas, the body has limited capacity to carry out its work. (3,17) In 2022, the SCFWCA conducted trainings on the prevention of child labor for labor inspectors, police inspectors, regional authorities, and business owners. (17)
The government has established policies related to child labor (Table 9). However, policy gaps exist that hinder efforts to address child labor, including lack of coverage for all worst forms of child labor.
| Policy | Description & Activities |
|---|---|
| National Action Plan on Combating Trafficking in Human Beings (2020–2024) | Aims to address human trafficking through enhanced coordination between relevant government agencies and improved protection for human trafficking victims. Includes action items to improve services for child trafficking victims, address forced child begging, and research and monitor forced labor and child trafficking risks. (56) Amendment to the law On Combating Human Trafficking in 2022 approved the establishment of a working group under the authority of MoIA's Trafficking in Persons National Coordinator to oversee the implementation of the National Action Plan. (17,35,57) In October 2022, the government also participated in an IOM- and USAID‐led mid‐term review meeting on the implementation of the National Action Plan. (43) |
| Strategy on Children of the Republic of Azerbaijan (2020–2030) | Aims to improve child protection mechanisms and legislation. Through the associated National Action Plan, includes action items on implementing international commitments under ILO Convention 182 and enhancing coordination to detect and prevent child labor and commercial sexual exploitation of children. (58,59) The National Early Childhood Development program was launched as part of the Strategy. Jointly organized by SCFWCA, the EU delegation to Azerbaijan, the Regional Development Public Union, and UNICEF Azerbaijan, the program aims, in part, to increase the capacity of children's services professionals and raise awareness around the health and education of children in four target regions—Ganja, Shirvan, Aghjabadi, and Absheron. (60) |
| State Program for the Development of Inclusive Education for Children with Disabilities (2018–2024) | Aims to create inclusive education for children with disabilities. In addition to the existing 8 schools nationwide, in 2022, the government established 12 more schools with inclusive classrooms, including training teachers in inclusive teaching methods. (51,62,63) The government continued to develop and publish textbooks for students with intellectual disabilities and methodical aids for teachers and parents during the reporting period. (51) |
‡ The government has other policies that may have addressed child labor issues or had an impact on child labor. (15,21)
Although the government amended the labor code in 2020 to prohibit children under the age of 18 from engaging in work involving difficult or harmful working conditions, the law does not specifically mention agriculture and research found no policy on hazardous child labor, including in agriculture. (15)
The State Program on Improvement of Official Statistics in the Republic of Azerbaijan (2018–2025) aims to improve and further develop the national statistics system, and includes an action item on developing a methodology for studying child labor and conducting survey research on the prevalence of child labor in Azerbaijan. (61) In 2022, the State Statistical Committee and UNICEF signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Conducting a Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey in Azerbaijan, including a dataset on child labor. (64,65)
In 2022, the government funded and participated in programs that include the goal of eliminating or preventing child labor (Table 10). However, gaps exist in these social programs, including insufficient funding.
| Program | Description & Activities |
|---|---|
| Government-run Assistance Centers† | Social Shelter and Rehabilitation Center for Minors†, MLSPP-run shelter in Baku for vulnerable children, including street children. (3,50) Children are able to stay in these shelters until they turn 18. (16) The shelters were active in 2022. (41) Additionally, Victims Assistance Centers† provide direct social services and social services referrals, education on administrative and legal procedures, and medical assistance to survivors of human trafficking, including children. Funded by MLSPP. (17,39) In 2022, each of the six child trafficking victims identified by MoIA were paid a one‐time benefit from the government, and five of them were placed in Victims Assistance Centers and received additional services from these centers. (43) |
| Targeted Social Assistance Program† | MLSPP-run program that provides cash transfers to vulnerable families. (8) During the reporting period, the government approved an increase in benefit payments for families receiving state assistance, including families with children with disabilities and low-income families. (17,51,66) |
| MoIA Identification Document Program† | Provides identification documents to undocumented minors who may be street children or victims of human trafficking. (49) In 2022, three identified child trafficking victims were provided with identity cards. (43) |
For information about USDOL’s projects to address child labor around the world, visit https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ilab/ilab-project-page-search
† Program is funded by the Government of Azerbaijan.
‡ The government had other social programs that may have included the goal of eliminating or preventing child labor. (14,21,50,67)
In 2022, the Ministry of Education organized training on children's labor rights to 9th, 10th, and 11th grade students. (17) However, the level of government support for NGO-run shelters for trafficking victims is inconsistent. (14) Directors of these shelters note that the unpredictable nature of funding prevents long-term planning and capacity building of shelters, including those that serve child victims. In addition, the number of social workers with training in supporting vulnerable and at-risk children remains low. (14,42,68)
Based on the reporting above, suggested actions are identified that would advance the elimination of child labor in Azerbaijan (Table 11).
| Area | Suggested Action | Year(s) Suggested |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Framework | Criminally prohibit the use of children for prostitution and the use and offering of children for the production of pornography and pornographic performances. | 2019 – 2022 |
| Enforcement | Resume routine, targeted, and unannounced labor inspections, including in response to complaints, to ensure that child labor laws are enforced. | 2016 – 2022 |
| Increase the number of labor inspectors from 182 to 265 to ensure adequate coverage of the labor force of approximately 5.3 million people. | 2016 – 2022 | |
| Publish information on the labor inspectorate’s operations, including funding levels. | 2015 – 2022 | |
| Ensure that children identified by law enforcement as engaged in child labor are referred to social services centers or other services, as appropriate, so that they do not return to child labor. | 2018 – 2022 | |
| Increase law enforcement investigations related to child labor outside Baku. | 2018 – 2022 | |
| Screen for forced labor indicators in child begging situations, including those referred by NGOs, and, as appropriate, investigate and prosecute forcing children to beg as a criminal offense. | 2018 – 2022 | |
| Coordination | Increase the coordination and referral of potential child labor crimes between the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of Population and the Ministry of Interior Affairs. | 2018 – 2022 |
| Ensure that all regulative and coordinating bodies, including the State Committee for Family, Women, and Children Affairs and the national and local Commissions on Juvenile Issues and Protection of Minors' Rights, have the capacity to carry out their intended mandates, including across different agencies and levels of government. | 2016 – 2022 | |
| Government Policies | Adopt a policy that addresses all relevant worst forms of child labor, such as hazardous work in agriculture. | 2016 – 2022 |
| Revise policies on priority crops that mandate production targets to help prevent child labor in agriculture. | 2019 – 2022 | |
| Social Programs | Collect and publish data on the extent and nature of child labor to inform policies and programs. | 2013 – 2022 |
| Ensure that children from marginalized groups and children with disabilities have equal access to education. | 2016 – 2022 | |
| Ensure that undocumented children are able to access education. | 2019 – 2022 | |
| Publish activities undertaken to implement social programs to address child labor during the reporting period. | 2020 – 2022 | |
| Ensure that the government provides sufficient and consistent funding to NGO-run shelters for victims of human trafficking to enable shelters to provide adequate services to victims. | 2015 – 2022 |
- UNESCO Institute for Statistics. Gross intake ratio to the last grade of primary education, both sexes (%). Accessed March 15, 2023. For more information, please see “Children's Work and Education Statistics: Sources and Definitions” in the Reference Materials section of this report.
http://data.uis.unesco.org/ - ILO. Analysis of Child Economic Activity and School Attendance Statistics from National Household or Child Labor Surveys. Original data from Child Labor Survey (SIMPOC), 2005. Analysis received March 2023. Please see “Children's Work and Education Statistics: Sources and Definitions” in the Reference Materials section of this report.
- U.S. Embassy- Baku. Reporting, January 14, 2020.
- ILO Committee of Experts. Observation concerning Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138) Azerbaijan (ratification: 1992). Published: 2022.
https://www.ilo.org/dyn/normlex/en/f?p=1000:13100:0::NO:13100:P13100_COMMENT_ID,P13100_COUNTRY_ID:4116117,102556 - Elver, Hilal. Statement by Ms. Hilal Elver, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the right to food on her visit to the Republic of Azerbaijan, 1–11 October 2019. United Nations Human Rights Commission, October 11, 2019.
https://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=25122&LangID=E - U.S. Embassy- Baku. Reporting, March 12, 2020.
- UNICEF. Children living and/or working in the streets of Georgia. January 2018.
https://www.unicef.org/georgia/reports/children-living-andor-working-streets-georgia - U.S. Embassy- Baku. Reporting. February 21, 2019a.
- U.S. Department of State. Trafficking in Persons Report- 2022: Azerbaijan. Washington, D.C., July 1, 2022.
https://www.state.gov/reports/2022-trafficking-in-persons-report/azerbaijan/ - Government of Azerbaijan. Written communication on a survey conducted by the State Committee for Family, Women, and Children Affairs (SCFWCA) in collaboration with UNICEF in two regions of Azerbaijan, 2017–2018. March 2020. Source on file.
- Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Protection Anar Karimov. GSP Subcommittee. Public Hearing for U.S. Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) Review of Country Practices. January 30, 2020.
https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=USTR-2018-0007-0057 - Government of Azerbaijan officials. Written communication to USDOL official: Answers to follow-up questions regarding information submitted by the Government of Azerbaijan to USDOL. May 4, 2020. Source on file.
- Abulfat, Ilhama. Entrepreneurs fined for the use of child labor. Oxu.az, June 12, 2019.
https://ru.oxu.az/society/316320 - U.S. Embassy- Baku. Reporting. February 21, 2019b.
- U.S. Embassy- Baku. Reporting. January 14, 2022.
- U.S. Embassy- Baku. Reporting. January 28, 2022.
- U.S. Embassy- Baku. Reporting. January 20, 2023.
- U.S. Embassy- Baku. Reporting. January 15, 2021.
- Ibadoghlu, Gubad and Maharramov, Vahid. On the human rights situation in the cotton fields of Azerbaijan: Monitoring report. 2020. Source on file.
- Turan News Agency. Increased Yields or Azerbaijani Cotton Relying on Children. December 25, 2019.
https://www.turan.az/ext/news/2019/-/free/markets/en/121594.htm - Government of Azerbaijan. Information from the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of Population of the Republic of Azerbaijan on the request addressed by the U.S. Department of Labor. February 17, 2021. Source on file.
- Geybulla, Arzu. Flying Carpets and Broken Pipelines: The myth around Azerbaijan's cotton industry revival. Blog. Accessed: May 2, 2018.
https://flyingcarpetsandbrokenpipelines.blogspot.com/2018/04/the-myth-around-azerbaijans-cotton.html - Maharramov, Vahid, and Gubad Ibadoghlu. Monitoring report on assessment of human rights situations in cotton fields of the Republic of Azerbaijan (Monitoring period: October 1, 2018 – January 30, 2019). September 2019.
https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3458625 - Group of Experts on Action Against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA). Report concerning the implementation of the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings by Azerbaijan. Second evaluation round. November 23, 2018.
https://rm.coe.int/greta-2018-17-fgr-aze-en/16808f11a5 - U.S. Embassy- Baku. Reporting. March 12, 2020b.
- UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Concluding observations on the combined tenth to twelfth periodic reports on Azerbaijan. September 22, 2022.
https://tbinternet.ohchr.org/_layouts/15/treatybodyexternal/Download.aspx?symbolno=CERD/C/AZE/CO/10-12&Lang=en - U.S. Department of State. 2022 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Azerbaijan. Washington, D.C. March 2023.
https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/415610_AZERBAIJAN-2022-HUMAN-RIGHTS-REPORT.pdf - UNICEF. Knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards children with disabilities in Azerbaijan. March 2018.
https://www.unicef.org/azerbaijan/media/796/file/Children with disabilities-ENG-AZ.pdf .pdf - Government of Azerbaijan. Labor Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Enacted: February 1, 1999.
http://e-qanun.az/framework/46943 - Government of Azerbaijan. Code on Administrative Offences of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Enacted: 2015.
https://e-qanun.az/framework/46960 - Government of Azerbaijan. Decree of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan “On approval of list of jobs with difficult and hazardous work conditions, professions as well as underground works where application of labor of children under the age of 18 is prohibited." Decree No. 58. Enacted: March 24, 2000. Source on file.
- Government of Azerbaijan. Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan on the Rights of the Child. May 19, 1998. Source on file.
- Government of Azerbaijan. Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Enacted: November 12, 1995.
http://static2.president.az/media/W1siZiIsIjIwMTgvMDMvMDkvNHQzMWNrcGppYV9Lb25zdGl0dXNpeWFfRU5HLnBkZiJdXQ?sha=c440b7c5f80d645b - Government of Azerbaijan. Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Enacted: September 1, 2000.
http://e-qanun.az/framework/46947 - Government of Azerbaijan. Presidential Decree on Enactment of the Law on Trafficking in Persons. Enacted: August 5, 2005.
http://www.refworld.org/cgi-bin/texis/vtx/rwmain?docid=4417f1214 - Government of Azerbaijan. Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan on Military Duty and Military Service, Law No. 274-IVQ. Enacted: December 23, 2011.
http://www.ilo.org/dyn/natlex/natlex4.detail?p_lang=en&p_isn=89955&p_country=AZE&p_count=180&p_classification=22.10&p_classcount=15 - Government of Azerbaijan. Law on Education. Enacted: 2009.
http://www.e-qanun.az/framework/18343 - Government of Azerbaijan. Law on General Education. Enacted: March 2019.
http://www.e-qanun.az/framework/42543 - Government of Azerbaijan officials. Interview with USDOL officials. February 25, 2020.
- Government of Azerbaijan officials. Written communication to USDOL official: Information by the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection on request by the Department of Labor. May 2020. Source on file.
- USDOS Official. E-mail communication to USDOL official. June 21, 2023.
- U.S. Embassy- Baku. Reporting. February 11, 2021.
- U.S. Embassy- Baku. Reporting. February 6, 2023.
- Government of Azerbaijan. Law No. 279, On amendments to the Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan "On suspension of inspections in the field of entrepreneurship." Enacted: March 9, 2021.
http://e-qanun.az/framework/47085 - Government of Azerbaijan. Written communication to USDOL official: Answers to follow-up questions regarding information submitted by the Government of Azerbaijan to USDOL. March 25, 2022. Source on file.
- Government of Azerbaijan. Law No. 480, On amendments to the Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan "On suspension of inspections in the field of entrepreneurship." Enacted: February 2, 2022.
https://meclis.gov.az/documents/480-VIQD.pdf - Government of Azerbaijan. Written communication: Information of the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of Population of the Republic of Azerbaijan on the additional questions addressed by the U.S. Department of Labor. April 4, 2021. Source on file.
- ILOSTAT. ILO Labor Force Statistics (LFS) – Population and labor force. Accessed January 31, 2023. Labor force data is government-reported data collected by the ILO. Please see "Labor Law Enforcement: Sources and Definitions" in the Reference Materials section of this report.
https://ilostat.ilo.org/data/ - U.S. Embassy- Baku official. E-mail communication to USDOL official. March 15, 2019.
- Government of Azerbaijan. Written communication. Submitted in response to USDOL Federal Register Notice (2019). Request for information on efforts by certain countries to eliminate the worst forms of child labor. Source on file.
- UNCRC. Replies of Azerbaijan to the list of issues in relation to its combined fifth and sixth reports. May 26, 2022.
https://tbinternet.ohchr.org/_layouts/15/treatybodyexternal/Download.aspx?symbolno=CRC/C/AZE/RQ/5-6&Lang=en - Sputnik Portal. Uşaq narkoloji dispanserinin yaradılması təklif edilir - Komitə. Accessed: January 30, 2022. Source on file.
- U.S. Embassy- Baku official. E-mail communication to USDOL official. July 18, 2019.
- Government of Azerbaijan. Rules of the National Referral Mechanism on Victims of Human Trafficking, No. 123. Enacted: August 11, 2009. Source on file.
- Government of Azerbaijan. Amendments to the National Referral Mechanism for Victims of Human Trafficking. April 26, 2022.
https://e-qanun.az/framework/49531 - Government of Azerbaijan. Order of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan on approval of the "National Action Plan for 2020–2024 on combating trafficking in human beings in the Republic of Azerbaijan." July 22, 2020. Source on file.
- Government of Azerbaijan. Amendment to the Law on Trafficking in Persons. November 5, 2022.
https://meclis.gov.az/documents/616-VIQD.pdf - Azertac. UNICEF welcomes approval of Strategy on Children of Azerbaijan. News Release. June 3, 2020.
https://azertag.az/en/xeber/UNICEF_welcomes_approval_of_Strategy_on_Children_of_Azerbaijan-1503319 - Government of Azerbaijan. Action Plan on the Implementation of the Strategy for Children (2020–2025). Approved: November 27, 2020.
https://static.president.az/media/W1siZiIsIjIwMjAvMTEvMjcvN3Rxem9uNHAyb195ZW5pX0ZfYWxpeXlfdF9QbGFuXy5wZGYiXV0?sha=18108de7e17bc657 - UNICEF Azerbaijan. Early Childhood Development Programme: a joint effort by partners to support the beginning of life. April 22, 2021.
https://www.unicef.org/azerbaijan/press-releases/early-childhood-development-programme-joint-effort-partners-support-beginning-life - Government of Azerbaijan. State Program on improving official statistics in the Republic of Azerbaijan in 2018–2025. February 14, 2018.
https://www.stat.gov.az/menu/2/state_programs/2018_2025/ - Kerimova Samira. Tehsil Portal. Inclusive Education in Eight Schools. Website. Accessed June 22, 2022.
https://tehsil.biz/news/az/31126/nklziv-thsilin-xo-mram - Azertag Portal. A round table on "The Summit of Intellectual Education Policy in Azerbaijan." Website. Accessed June 22, 2022.
https://azertag.az/xeber/Azerbaycanda_inkluziv_tehsil_siyasetinin_icmali_movzusunda_deyirmi_masa_kechirilib-2075153 - Government of Azerbaijan. State Statistical Committee. Memorandum of Understanding on Conduction of Multiply Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) signed with UNICEF. February 28, 2022.
https://www.stat.gov.az/news/index.php?lang=en&id=5161 - USDOS Official. E-mail communication to USDOL official. February 23, 2023.
- Trend News Agency. Value of social benefits increases in Azerbaijan. January 1, 2022.
https://en.trend.az/azerbaijan/politics/3535532.html - Government of Azerbaijan. Information submitted by government organizations of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Written communication, January 10, 2021. Source on file.
- UNCEF. Country Program Document - Azerbaijan. 2021.
https://www.unicef.org/executiveboard/documents/country-programme-document-azerbaijan-frs-2021
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