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EveryChild extends work into Azerbaijan
EveryChild has expanded its work to prevent child separation into Azerbaijan. Disadvantaged children and those with disabilities who are most at risk of facing a bleak life inside an institution in Azerbaijan, will be specifically targeted.
The three year project will help 1,700 children - the aim is to reunite children in institutions with their families where possible, or prevent them from being placed in state care in the first place.
The work will increase access to social services for vulnerable families and aim to see a reform of legislation to protect children’s’ rights.
Chris Rayment, EveryChild programme manager for the region said: “We’re very excited to be extending our work into Azerbaijan. We are confident that our work here will deliver a lasting impact to these children’s lives.”
The work will be funded by the Big Lottery Fund and EveryChild will work with local partner United Aid for Azerbaijan, an NGO which has been working on behalf of vulnerable children for nine years.
According to EveryChild research, 70% of children in state run homes in Azerbaijan are not orphans, with the vast majority of children having at least one living parent.
In the country’s post-soviet society, families are increasingly vulnerable to poverty and breakdown. The situation is exacerbated for families with children with disabilities - they are amongst the most disadvantaged groups in Azerbaijani society. This coupled with prejudice and poor understanding of children’s rights, means that children, especially those with disabilities, are frequently placed in state institutions.