Social support mechanisms for internally displaced persons are being gradually transitioned to a new model.
“Elchi” reports that this is reflected in the proposed amendment to the Law “On Social Protection of Internally Displaced Persons and Persons Equated to Them,” which was discussed at today’s joint meeting of the Labor and Social Policy Committee and the Human Rights Committee of the Milli Majlis.
Currently, the social protection measures provided for in the Law “On Social Protection of Internally Displaced Persons and Persons Equated to Them” remain in effect for three years from the time conditions are created for internally displaced persons to return to their former places of residence, and for persons equated to internally displaced persons, until the time conditions are created for their return to their former places of residence or until they are permanently settled.
According to the draft, the social protection measures provided for in the law will remain in effect for three years from the date internally displaced persons lose their status as internally displaced persons.
According to the current law, independent temporary settlement of internally displaced persons may be permitted provided that it does not violate the rights and legitimate interests of other persons. In such cases, the relevant executive authorities must ensure the relocation of internally displaced persons to another residential area within the same settlement. According to the amendment, the condition of relocation to another residential area within the same settlement is removed. In other words, in such cases, the relevant executive authorities must offer internally displaced persons another residential area.
According to the transitional provisions, for internally displaced persons who were provided with another place of residence in the liberated territories free of charge instead of their former place of residence before the date this law enters into force, the validity period of the social protection measures provided for in the Law “On Social Protection of Internally Displaced Persons and Persons Equated to Them” is calculated from the time they were provided with such residential areas.
At the same time, the tuition fees of internally displaced persons who are studying on a paid basis in state higher and secondary specialized educational institutions before the date this law enters into force, and whose tuition fees are paid at the expense of the state budget, will continue to be paid at the expense of the state budget until they complete their education.