Azerbaijan determines state standards for children's recreation
By Sabina Idayatova
Discussion of the draft law for state standards "On the
organization of children recreation" took place in the Committee on
Social Policy of the Azerbaijani Parliament on November 7.
The draft law defines the procedure and conditions for the
provision of services on the organization of children's recreation,
the rights and obligations of the participants in this process, and
also regulates relations in this field.
Commenting on the draft law the committee chairman Hadi Rajabli said that despite the fact that the laws in the social sphere bear a financial burden on the budget, this law will not require too much funding. Furthermore, the law will not require building new facilities to offer services in the organization of children's leisure, but will improve the quality of these services in existing facilities. According to the MP, similar laws of 20 countries have been studied during preparation of the draft law.
The MPs attending committee meeting, noted major problems in this area, in particular at schools, and also noted the need to identify specific bodies in the document. They will be responsible for the execution of certain provisions of the law.
Deputy Health Minister Elsevar Aghayev noted that after adoption
of the draft law
a state program will require approval that will make available the
financial resources needed for its execution.
Unfortunately, according to Aghayev, there is little chance of
execution of the laws in the country that are not supported
financially.
The draft law defines the main direction of the state policy in
this area, which includes the development and the adoption of
national standards, creation of market affordable and efficient
services in the field of recreation for children. A provision of
support for the improvement of the material and technical base of
enterprises for children's recreation, and training in this area
are also included.
Furthermore, the main direction of the state policy is the
application of economic incentives to support these institutions,
the creation of mechanisms of targeted financial assistance to the
institutions, application of benefits, including the use of land,
in tariffs for utilities, taxes and government fees.
The draft also suggests the introduction of certification services in the field of children's recreation, and also determines the conditions of children in such institutions. Children under six years of age may not remain in such institutions by themselves, they may attend with either parents or other legal representatives. The children between the ages of seven and eighteen can stay there independently.