Azernews.Az

By Laman Sadigova

Cruel treatment with kids in the family may results in payment of higher fines for parents, as Azerbaijani MPs propose to increase the penalty to 40-60 manat (about $50) from the current 20-40 manat (about $35).

Head of the parliamentary committee on family, women and children Agiya Nakhchivanli believes that the changes will increase the responsibility of parents.

The relevant bill has been passed to the parliament for the consideration after it was discussed at a December 8 meeting of the commission.

The bill envisages increasing the fine in respect of parents who are not properly performing the duties of upbringing and education of their minor children.

Child protection has always been beyond the main priorities of the Azerbaijani government, which has drafted the National Strategy for Children plan under the "Azerbaijan 2020: a look into the future" concept.

The State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs in collaboration with some non-governmental organizations are conducting awareness campaigns at schools, as well as for families at risk, with the participation of psychologists and experts in this field.

Furthermore, a rehabilitation center Children's Legal Clinic for children in conflict was established by NGO Alliance for Children's Rights.

Children who feel stressed, who are exposed to violence are welcome to call a hot line which is always open for them.

Children and young people, who call the "hot line", often complain about the physical and psychological violence at home, and ask to take them away.

The Children Rights Convention says that child is a person under 18 and the government has committed itself to protect children even from their own parents. Violation of the children rights is a quite multifaceted phenomenon, and can take place in various areas of life.

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