Children are at risk
There are approximately 2.9 million children under 18 years old in Azerbaijan- this is more than a quarter of the population. Despite a relatively stable economic environment, poverty is a major challenge for rural families; more than 25% of the population are living in poverty. Unemployment is one of the main drivers for poverty in Azerbaijan. Consequently, it is estimated that one third of children continue to live below the poverty line and 1 in 5 children experience malnutrition.
1 in 4
Children live in long-term care
Lack of parental care
Due to high poverty rates, more than 25,000 children lack parental care. Many children are placed in institutions by parents who cannot afford to look after them. The majority of those children have one or both of their parents still alive.
Without individual and child-focused care, children in institutional environments are more likely to suffer from poor physical and mental health, and developmental delay. They may also face emotional challenges and a lack of trust in themselves and others.
1 in 5
Children do not attend school
Missing an education
The hidden costs for schooling, including books and uniforms, as well as poor educational infrastructure and quality, prevent many families from enrolling their children in school.
In addition, children who do not attend school, can be another source of financial income for the family. More than 7% of children between the ages of 5-14 are involved in child labour.
1 in 10
Girls are married before the age of 18
Gender inequality
Gender inequality is a serious problem in Azerbaijan where girls are seen as less valuable than boys. Changes in the law made marriage before the age of 18 illegal. However, the minimum marriage age can be reduced in some cases.
Consequently, more than 10% of girls are married before their 18th birthday, and 2% married before they turned 15 years old.
Early marriage is one of the main reason girls miss out on education in Azerbaijan. Supporting girls’ is one of the best solutions to overcoming poverty.
Together we can make a difference for children in Azerbaijan
130
Children and young people
Attend our kindergarten and schools
120
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
Are supported on their way to independence
Received humanitarian aid
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SOS Children’s Villages Azerbaijan provides different assistance to children, young people and families. Children and young people who cannot live with their families can grow up in a family-like environment. If it is in their best interest, we aim to keep brothers and sisters together so that their bonds can grow stronger while in our care (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Azerbaijan).
Working together for sustainable development
In 2015, leaders from 193 countries committed to the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This 15 year plan aims to improve the lives of people by ending poverty, fighting inequality and protecting the planet.
GOAL 1: End poverty
SOS Children’s Villages supports families and communities to keep families together and to help them break out of the cycle of poverty.
GOAL 4: Ensure quality education for all
Every child and young person SOS Children’s Villages supports has access to education, from kindergarten right up to vocational training or university.
GOAL 8: Equal job opportunities for all
SOS Children’s Villages supports young people in developing the skills and self-confidence they need to find decent work and trains parents so that they can have a stable income.
GOAL 10: Reduce inequalities
SOS Children’s Villages works to keep children safe by promoting peaceful and inclusive communities. We provide training on children’s rights and positive parenting.
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GOAL 16: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies
We advocate laws and practices that ensure social inclusion and protection for children and young people without parental care or from marginalized households.
Let’s keep on protecting children and young people!
Many children have been able to find a safe and secure home. With your help, we can continue to change their lives