Azerbaijan's State Committee chief: Families do have cases of domestic violence and women's rights violation

To what extent the problem of domestic violence is urgent in Azerbaijan today?

Unfortunately, cases of domestic violence and violations of women's rights still takes place. However, domestic violence is not always a problem of relationship between spouses, but also between parents and children. We often receive complaints from young women who complain of physical abuse by their father or mother. We, for our part, try to help these people.

In connection with this problem, we plan to establish operational centers nationwide to assist women who are victims of domestic violence. We attach great importance to adopting the Law on Domestic Violence which can give a strong impetus to solving violence domestic problems.

In your opinion, what consequences a failure to address this problem may have?

The UN study describes an extremely negative impact of such severe discrimination for the whole society. One of the consequences of domestic violence is that children are traumatized, and this, in turn, increases the risk that such a model of violent behavior will be passed on to the next generation, and thus people can not escape from this vicious circle.

There is a need to set up structures that provide victims with relevant forms of psychological, medical and legal assistance. Legislation should also envisage imprisonment for those who commit such acts of violence.

What is the current situation of early marriage in the country?

At present, early marriages are most commonly associated with false stereotypes of population to provide a happy family life for their children. But in most cases this practice proves to be wrong. In their 16-17 years, children do not understand and are not physiologically or psychologically ready to start a family. Thanks to sound public policy in this regard, there have been positive developments and the situation has began to change for the better. The number of early marriages has significantly reduced.

What can you say about marriages between close relatives?

The government takes steps to prevent marriages between relatives addressing this problem also through legislation. Thus, the Family Code, Article 12 clearly indicates individuals between whom marriage is prohibited. The list includes close relatives (parents and children, grandfather, grandmother, grandchildren, relatives and half-brothers and sisters who have a common father or mother). The legislation also bans marriage between adoptive parents and adopted children.

As a part of our powers, we regularly carry out advocacy and educational work among population on topics related to marriages between relatives and the consequences of such marriages for future generations.

And what measures are carried out in schools?

Question of marriage between relatives is highlighted in the seminars conducted in schools and among pupils of higher grades. We hope that this could, at least, prevent such marriages among young people. Currently, our committee plans to release an information booklet entitled "Marriages between relatives and their consequences.”

Do you stage a campaign to highlight a need for marriage contracts?

The Committee has made a package of proposals. This package also includes a proposal to introduce a procedure of concluding a marriage contract. The international experience shows that the marriage contract allows to ensure protection of the parties to the marriage and guarantee equality of spouses. It is necessary to undertake a large campaign to educate people so that this practice will become common.

We have prepared and issued a brochure " Family ABC", which contains details of the marriage contract. We plan to distribute these brochures in registry offices in future.

To what degree is this procedure important? Can it solve problems existing in our families?

According to studies conducted by our committee’s socio-analytical sector, in most cases, family conflicts and divorce also lead to denial of economic rights of women. However, marriage contract is able prevent violations of rights of women and children in this respect.

R. Ahsrafli