Mehriban Aliyeva

An increase in the number of children in orphanages and boarding schools in the recent years is alarming, said Mehriban Aliyeva, the first lady, president of Heydar Aliyev’s Foundation, UNESCO goodwill ambassador, at the opening of a two day conference "Reforms in child protection in Azerbaijan".

She said the fact that Azerbaijan has recently been hosting many international events is rejoicing. At such events, the public figures, politicians, representatives of non-governmental organizations gather to discuss problems and development of the dialogue.

It is well known that the present-day world is facing global problems, most serious problems are to be tackled and counteraction of civilizations and cultures, long-lasting military conflict and man-caused disasters, global climatic changes, epidemics and pandemics are all the realities of the 21st century. Among these problems, the problem of children is still urgent. The future, physical and moral health and humane features are laid in this very period and, certainly, the role of a family is irreplaceable in the formation of every person.

Family ties, values, care about children, respect for the elder are among the best features of Azerbaijan. They have been forming for centuries and this process is going on today.

"Today an Azerbaijani woman takes an active part in all spheres. She is successful both in the state structures and the private sector.

An Azerbaijan woman says her word and demonstrates her position. At the same time, her family and her children are important to every woman. As a mother of three children, I think mother’s mission is the most important thing in my life. And, certainly, every parent wants his child to be smart and healthy.  

Unfortunately, there are children deprived of parental care and brought up in the state institutions. A part of the children from the first days of their lives and others later are deprived of parental care and this is not their fault that their fate is so hard and there is no opportunity to change it", noted Mehriban Aliyeva.

Since the very start of its creation, Heydar Aliyev’s Foundation has been overseeing the situation with children deprived of parental care. The fund has repaired 31 institutions within the program of development of orphanages and boarding schools.

"We try to maintain regular contacts with such children and to study their problems. Today Azerbaijan has children’s homes and boarding schools meeting the highest requirements where highly qualified people work, yet the reality is that even the best boarding schools or orphanages will never substitute a family, parental case and upbringing", Mehriban Aliyeva said.

She also added that transformation of 11 children’s facilities is envisioned within the framework of the adopted programs within a year and 44 others will see changes in the next 3-4 years.

1news.az