REPUBLIC OF AZERBAIJAN

Azərbaycan R�s��b���asının Dayanı��ı �n���a� Üzrə M���� ��a�ə�ən��r�ə ��rası

THIRD VOLUNTARY NATIONAL REVIEW 2021

Azərbaycan R�s��b���asının Dayanı��ı �n���a�REPUBLIC Üzrə OFM���� AZERBAIJAN ��a�ə�ən��r�ə ��rası

Third Voluntary National Review

The Third Voluntary National Review details the work carried out in the Republic of Azerbaijan with a view towards “sustainable and resilient recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic that promotes the economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainable development: building an in- clusive and effective path for the achievement of the 2030 Agenda in the context of the decade of action and delivery for sustainable development”. FOREWORD

he importance of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is more important than ever at a time when all humanity is coping with the coro- navirus pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has created new challenges and realities for the implementation of development priorities in the Republic of TAzerbaijan. The natural fulfillment of the quarantine regime (particularly the manda- tory lockdowns) to prevent the spread of the virus had a serious impact on economic growth, welfare, health care, education, tourism and the entire implementation of the 2030 Agenda on the SDGs. The Government of Azerbaijan applied new strategies and programmes on how to mitigate the consequences of the pandemic, ensuring economic stability, macroeco- nomic and financial sustainability and keeping the unemployment rate at the mini- mum level based on the principle of “Leaving No One Behind”. As a result of these efforts it is anticipated that 2021-2022 will be a recovery period for Azerbaijan. The Government of Azerbaijan acknowledges that humanity can only achieve the desirable result of mitigating the consequences of the pandemic through solidarity and the joint efforts of partnership. As such, Azerbaijan took an active part in the fight against COVID-19 and supported more than 30 countries with humanitarian, techni- cal and financial aid. Fulfilling the commitments made by Azerbaijan on the SDGs is an integral part of the state policy. Within this framework, the Government of Azerbaijan set up the Na- tional Coordination Council on Sustainable Development and established bilateral and multilateral corporation with local and international organizations respectively. In addition, state programmes, strategies, action plans covering social, economic and environmental spheres have been adjusted to meet the goals and objectives of the 2030 Agenda, while sector strategic plans were also developed within medium-term expenditure, which will be a significant roadmap for SDG financing. As a result of the actions taken, Azerbaijan was ranked 54th among 166 countries in the UN Sustainable Development Report for 2020, achieving 72.6 points out of 100 for the “Sustainable Development Goals Index”. (For comparison it should be mentioned that the mean value for this Index in Eastern Europe and Central Asia is 70.9 points.) According to the Index, Azerbaijan has made progress on the SDGs for health care, well-being, poverty, nutrition, clean water and energy, sustainable cities and communities. At the same time Azerbaijan was acknowledged as one of the most reformist countries in the “Doing Business 2020” report published by the World

2 Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan FOREWORD

Bank and Azerbaijan’s ranking rose to the 28th position among 191 countries in the global rating list. Azerbaijan has prepared and approved a new development strategy for the post-pan- demic and post-war period covering the period 2021-2030. In this framework, the Government of Azerbaijan has established five national priorities (a sustainable and growing competitive economy; a dynamic, inclusive and social justice-based society; competitive human capital and modern innovations; great return to the liberated ar- eas; a clean environment and green growth) targeted at achieving the long-term evo- lution towards the social-economic and environmental development of the country for the next decade. It should also be highlighted that the National Priorities are im- portant towards the fulfilment of commitments made in the “Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”. Furthermore, taking into consideration global climate change and the commitments ensuing from the Paris Agreement within the UN Framework Convention, the Govern- ment of Azerbaijan supports projects concerning promotion of transition to a circular economy, the use of clean technologies, the use of clean energy sources and the reprocessing and cleaning of polluted areas. In this regard, high-quality environment and green energy have been selected as national development priorities. Additional- ly, based on SDG11 targets, the Government took the decision to start the alignment of smart city and smart village standards in newly established cities and villages. In particular, the cessation of the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan in Novem- ber 2020 will contribute to ensuring security, stability and well-being in the region. Moreover, mutually beneficial cooperation in the region as well as the development of economic and trade relations will provide a massive input into the development of Azerbaijan and the region as a whole. Taking advantage of new international and regional transport and logistics corridors, and the reintegration of the now liberated territories into the national economy, will strengthen Azerbaijan’s economic sovereignty by 2030 and transform it into a pow- erful state with a strong social welfare society based on modern living standards.

I am certain that the realization of the SDGs by 2030 will serve prosperity, peace and global partnership while contributing to addressing such global issues as the fight against hunger, poverty, inequality and climate change.

Ali Ahmadov

Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Chairman of National Coordination Council on Sustainable Development

Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan 3

CONTENT

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS 6

SUMMARY 8

INTRODUCTION 12

1. THE PROCESS AND METHODOLOGY FOR PREPARING THE REVIEW 15

1.1. Preparation process of the Third Voluntary National Review 16

1.2. Lessons learned and substantial alteration 18

2. POLICY AND ENABLING ENVIRONMENT BY 2030 23

2.1. Integration of SDGs into the national development agenda 24

2.2. National ownership of SDGs 30

2.3. Support of NGOs and private sector in

the implementation of the SDGs 35

3. STRENGTHENING PARTNERSHIPS TO SUPPORT

THE IMPLEMENTATION OF SDGs 39

4. THE IMPACT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC AND THE CRISIS

ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE 2030 AGENDA 45

5. PROGRESS IN THEMATIC GOALS 55

CONCLUSION AND WAY FORWARD 132

Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan 5 SUMMARY ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

ABAD Support to Family Business EU European Union SCFWCA State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan ANAS Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences ANAMA Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action CoE Council of Europe OSCE Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe AIDA Azerbaijan International Development Agency UN United Nations UNECE United Nations Economic Commission for Europe UNDRR United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction FAO Food and Agriculture Organization UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization ILO International Labour Organization UNDP United Nations Development Program UNICEF United Nations Children’s Fund UNESCAP Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific KOICA Korea International Cooperation Agency IMF International Monetary Fund BP British Petroleum CEPEJ European Commission for the Efficiency of Justice SDGs Sustainable Development Goals NCCSD National Coordination Council on Sustainable Development of the Republic of Azerbaijan DOST Agency for Sustainable and Operational Social Protection SSC State Statistical Committee of the Republic of Azerbaijan MENR Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Azerbaijan VAT Value Added Tax MLSPP Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Population of the Republic of Azerbaijan IDEA “International Dialogue for Environmental Action” Public Union OECD Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development ECO Economic Cooperation Organization ECOSOC Economic and Social Council ICT Information (and/-) Communication Technologies MoE Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan

6 Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

ABAD Support to Family Business ODA Official Development Assistance MM Mass Media VNR Voluntary National Review SME Small and Medium Entrepreneurship MoA Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Azerbaijan NGO Non-governmental organization GPI Global Partnership Initiative CIS Commonwealth of Independent States MoC Ministry of Culture MDG Millennium Development Goal LLC Limited Liability Company MoF Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Azerbaijan NATO North Atlantic Treaty Organization CoM Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan EDF Entrepreneurship Development Fund of the Republic of Azerbaijan RIA Rapid Integrated Assessment MoH Ministry of Health of the Republic of Azerbaijan TANAP Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline MTCHT Ministry of Transport, Communications and High Technologies. MoED Ministry of Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan GDP Gross Domestic Product TSSA Targeted State Social Assistance STS State Tax Service UMIS Unified Migration Information System HLPF High Level Political Forum “2030 Agenda” “Transforming our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development” NIP National Information Portal UMISSMS Unified Migration Information System of the State Migration Service ODS Ozone-depleting substances

Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan 7 SUMMARY

he Third Voluntary National lizing all its efforts to honour this commit- Review (VNR) presented by ment in a timely and suitably manner. the Republic of Azerbaijan The National Coordination Council towards the implementation of on Sustainable Development and the the “Transforming our World: Ministry of Economy lead the VNR TThe 2030 Agenda for Sustainable De- process, through consultation with velopment” illustrates the framework various stakeholders including Parlia- with which the Government of Azerbai- ment, line ministries, public institutions, jan continues to fulfil its commitment to NGOs, the private sector and academic the 2030 Agenda on SDGs under the institutions. During the reporting period, main principles of universality, integrated activities on prioritised 17 goals, 88 tar- approach and “Leaving no one behind”. gets and 119 indicators have been suc- The VNR also reflects best practices, cessfully continued, and the alignment lessons learned, implementation tools, of state programmes, action plans, and and actions taken to strengthen interna- strategic documents associated with tional partnerships, emerging challenges, the SDG goals and targets have been the best practices used to address these successfully implemented. challenges, and future steps in this re- gard. Furthermore, Azerbaijan is entering a strategic phase in this new post-pan- At the same time, the review incorpo- demic and post-conflict era which rates the goals of the thematic plan of spans from 2021 to 2030. Acknowl- the High-Level Political Forum to be or- edging global trends and challenges, ganized by the UN Economic and Social the Government of Azerbaijan sets the Council in 2021 and the actions taken country’s long-term development vector with respect to the implementation of and pathways to socio-economic and the selected goals and the current cir- environmental development through cumstances. five corresponding national priorities This is the Third VNR submitted by the (approved by Presidential decree) for Government of Azerbaijan since its the subsequent decade. These priori- accession to the UN 2030 Agenda. The ties are aligned with Azerbaijan’s com- submission of this VNR demonstrates that mitments under the 2030 Agenda and the Government of Azerbaijan is commit- are as follows: ted to achieving the SDGs and is mobi-

8 Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan SUMMARY

t A steadily growing, competitive support to 33 countries in the form of hu- economy; manitarian aid and financial assistance. t Dynamic and inclusive society Moreover, numerous actions were tak- based on social justice; en to ensure the transition to efficient t Competitive human capital and models of manufacturing and consump- space for modern innovation; tion. To this end, the volume of hazard- ous waste generated per capita has t Great return to the liberated terri- been maintained at a consistent level, tories, including sustainable settle- the use of renewable energy genera- ment and economic reintegration; tion capacity has been increased, ur- t A clean environment and green gent actions to combat climate change growth in the country. and its impact have been expanded, and the control of the reduction of the In line with these priorities, a strategy annual volume of total greenhouse gas and an action plan for 2021-2025 will emissions has been reinforced. be formulated and approved. Thus, alongside the actions taken to ad- One of the major elements of the 2021 dress the COVID-19 pandemic situation, VNR is in regard to the fight against the Azerbaijan continued to comply with COVID-19 pandemic and the challeng- the following requirements and recom- es it caused. The COVID-19 pandemic mendations in achieving the SDGs in created massive disruption in people’s the period under review: lives around the world and seriously t affected the implementation of the SDGs The active engagement of the in Azerbaijan in several areas - econom- private sector and government ic growth, employment, health care, entities in the implementation of education and tourism. Since the first activities related to SDGs was quarter of 2020, the spread of COVID-19 promoted, with a specific focus in Azerbaijan and the subsequent oblig- on awareness-raising at all levels, atory lockdowns naturally had a negative regulating environmental issues, impact on economic activity and led to and expanding the access of pri- a 4.3% decrease in GDP in 2020. To mit- vate sector finance for SDGs; igate the impact of COVID-19, the Gov- t Special attention was attached to ernment of Azerbaijan approved support the implementation of literacy-rais- programmes to provide direct financial ing activities at all levels, and dia- assistance (USD1 1.5 billion overall in logues with various segments of 2020). As a result of this effective sup- society at the national and region- port, it is anticipated that 2021-2022 will al levels were organized; be a recovery period for Azerbaijan. In t Efforts to increase the develop- parallel to national measures, the Gov- ment and diversification of the ernment actively participated in fighting non-oil sector, strengthen innova- COVID-19 globally through bilateral tion activity and export capacity, and multilateral programmes providing improve the efficiency of social

1 1 USD = 1.7 AZN Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan 9 SUMMARY

services and increase the green building effective partnerships, over- economy were reinforced; coming existing difficulties, as well as t Mitigation measures were taken the deployment of the Platform of Na- to address the socio-economic tional Importance to achieve the SDGs challenges posed by COVID-19 by by 2030. building an effective institutional Additionally, the cessation of the 28- system and infrastructure, and en- year conflict between Armenia and suring close cooperation with the Azerbaijan creates new economic World Health Organization (WHO). opportunities not only for Azerbaijan also for the entire region. In this re- Moreover, the Government of Azerbai- spect, the rehabilitation, reconstruction jan anticipates receiving the necessary and reintegration of its liberated and support of international partners in the conflict-affected areas will constitute implementation of the planned activ- the key dimension of the development ities, in the areas mentioned above, strategy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in through direct financing mechanisms, the coming years. the sharing of international experience,

10 Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan 11 INTRODUCTION

he third Voluntary National implementation of the 2030 Agenda on Review of the Republic of the SDGs, the ongoing involvement of Azerbaijan is presented in the stakeholders in the process under the framework of the thematic principle of “leaving no one behind”, plan of the 2021 HLPF, name- and encompasses strengthening part- Tly “Sustainable and resilient recovery nerships for the SDGs. from the COVID-19 pandemic that promotes the economic, social and The VNR is presented in five sections. environmental dimensions of sustain- The first covers the formulation of able development: building an inclusive “The process and methodology for the and effective path for the achievement preparation of the review”. This section of the 2030 Agenda in the context of describes the main methodology and the decade of action and delivery for associated process for preparing the sustainable development”. It details the third Voluntary National Review and the status of the implementation process of different features of the third VNR and Azerbaijan’s national commitment (par- those presented previously. ticularly over the period 2019 to 2021), the significant action plans and their The second section describes the execution on the mitigation of the im- activities completed by the Government pact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the of Azerbaijan between 2019 and 2021

12 Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan INTRODUCTION

PREPARATION PROGRESS ON THE GOALS OF THE REPORT

3rd VNR

THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC POLICY ENVIRONMENT

on the formulation of the “Policy and COVID-19 pandemic and crisis on im- enabling environment by 2030”. In par- plementing the 2030 Agenda” focuses ticular, this section reports on the public on the comprehensive interventions put awareness of various segments of so- in place to not only meet the challeng- ciety, on integrating the SDGs into the es created by the COVID-19 pandemic national development agenda and on for the implementation of the SDGs, improvements to the statistical frame- but also to minimize the impact of the work on the SDGs through the appli- COVID-19 pandemic on the country’s cation of the principles of “ownership”, economy and ensure the continuation “participation” and “Leaving No One of socio-economic development, diver- Behind”; this includes the engagement sification of the economy and increasing of stakeholders in the implementation non-oil exports during the pandemic. process of the “2030 Development Agenda” in Azerbaijan. The final section “Progress in thematic goals and targets” presents a detailed The third section, namely “Strength- report on the actions carried out to- ening partnerships to support the wards achieving the SDGs, defined in implementation of the SDGs” outlines accordance with the thematic plan of the strengthening of cooperation with the HLPF on Sustainable Development international organizations (relevant of the UN Economic and Social Council. UN, UN agencies and other internation- The VNR focuses on the thematic plan al organizations) to achieve the SDGs in 2021 year on the following SDGs: Goal Azerbaijan. This section also discusses 1 (No Poverty), Goal 2 (Zero Hunger), the financial support provided to other Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), countries and international organiza- Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic tions by Azerbaijan in its role as a donor Growth), Goal 10 (Reduced Inequali- country responding to the global fight ties), Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption to address the COVID-19 pandemic. and Production), Goal 13 (Climate Ac- tion), Goal 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong The section entitled “The impact of the Institutions), and Goal 17 (Partnerships).

Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan 13 14 Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan THE PROCESS AND METHODOLOGY FOR PREPARING THE REVIEW 1

Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan 15 THE PROCESS AND METHODOLOGY FOR 1 PREPARING THE REVIEW

1.1. Preparation process of the Third Voluntary National Review Members of the National Coor- dination Council for Sustainable The National Coordination Council on Development Sustainable Development and the Min- Cabinet of Ministers; istry of Economy lead the VNR process, through consultations with various Ministry of Economy; stakeholders including the parliament, line ministries, public institutions, NGOs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; the private sector and academic insti- Ministry of Health; tutions. The preparation of the Third Voluntary National Review is based on Ministry of Labour and Social the “Proposal for voluntary common re- Protection of Population; porting guidelines for voluntary national reviews at the high-level political forum” Ministry of Education; and other guiding documents. Accordingly, the general structure of Ministry of Justice; the VNR and the content of the structur- Ministry of Agriculture; al sections are as follows: Foreword; Ministry of Youth and Sports; Summary; Ministry of Environment and Nat- ural Resources; Introduction; The process and methodology for Ministry of Culture; preparing the review; State Statistical Committee; Policy and enabling environment by 2030; State Committee for Family, Women and Children’s Affairs; Strengthening partnerships to pro- vide support in implementing the State Committee of the Republic SDGs; of Azerbaijan for Affairs of Refu- The impact of the COVID-19 pan- gees and IDPs demic on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda; Progress in goals and targets; based on the utilization of best practic- Conclusions and next steps. es as analysed by two international and local experts. The plan and methodol- The initial stage of the process of for- ogy of the Review were developed in mulating and writing the VNR began compliance with the thematic plan and with the development of the plan and requirements of the High-Level Political methodology for the Review. This was Forum.

16 Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan THE PROCESS AND METHODOLOGY FOR PREPARING THE REVIEW 1

The NIP is an interactive tool that col- lects aggregated information on the SDGs from designated government agencies, which is then accessible at the national and international levels. The tool thus allows everyone to track the progress being made towards the SDGs in the Republic of Azerbaijan.

The direct inclusion of stakeholders through the request for information on SDG status (including government orga- nizations and other line agencies) and the official responses received, ensures As part of the Review formulation the reliability of the data used in the process, a written request was sent to Review. stakeholders to provide information on the status of actions taken to achieve Furthermore, other various verification the SDGs. The Review was formulated methods were used to ensure the reli- according to the information and data ability of the administrative and statis- received from line ministries and other tical data collected in the preparation government agencies, and the NCCSD process of the Review. Secretariat.

Challenges in the preparation Ensuring the reliability of the data process of the Review While improvements have certainly The Review data was compiled with been made to the statistical framework direct inputs from respective stakehold- used for the 2021 Review as compared ers (mainly from government agencies), to that used for the 2017 and 2019 from the National Information Portal Reviews, challenges remain in some (NIP) on SDGs, managed by the State areas of the statistical database. Thus, Statistical Committee with the support the available data has not been disag- of the UNDP, and also from the annual gregated by gender, age group, place statistical report on SDGs provided by of residence (rural/urban) and region/ the State Statistical Committee. administrative district, which partially constrains the scope of analysis, as- sessment and findings.

Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan 17 THE PROCESS AND METHODOLOGY FOR 1 PREPARING THE REVIEW

1.2. Lessons learned and conflicts, poverty, environmental degra- substantial alteration dation and crime, that arise around the world and in the regions. The key distinguishing features of the Third Voluntary National Review of the The military aggression of Armenia Republic of Azerbaijan as compared to against Azerbaijan in the early 1990s the VNRs submitted in 2017 and 2019 caused the displacement of more than are: (i) the achievements resulting from one million Azerbaijanis from their na­ the cessation of the conflict between tive lands. The war claimed the lives of Armenia and Azerbaijan, (ii) the overall 20,000 Azerbaijanis. Meantime, 50,000 alignment of the new phase of the UN Azerbaijanis became disabled. The partnership with Azerbaijan regarding scale of atrocities is evidenced, among the 2030 Agenda, (iii) improvements others, by about 4000 citizens of Azer- to the statistical framework to increase baijan (including 71 children, 267 wom- the monitoring of progress on the SDG en and 326 elderly people) who went indicators and (iv) COVID-19 pandemic missing in connection with the conflict. challenges, mitigating the impact and Furthermore, the fate of more than 870 driving the recovery process. of above 2,000 Azerbaijanis who were taken captive or held hostage during military operations still remains un- Post-conflict rehabilitation, known. The occupied settlements were reconstruction and entirely devastated, and the ecosystem reintegration activities severely damaged.

The VNRs, submitted in 2017 and 2019, The consequences of the occupation of explicitly reflected the social, human- Azerbaijani territories by Armenia con- itarian, economic and environmental tinue to be a serious problem in Azer- constraints, encountered by the Re- baijan, with the conflict causing a major public of Azerbaijan due to the lack of humanitarian crisis, since the natural peace in the region and occupation of resources of the occupied territories its territories. The elaboration of the were plundered by Armenia and could Third VNR coincided with the liberation not therefore be used for the welfare of of the territories of the Republic of Azer- the Azerbaijani people. baijan in the end of 2020, thus making it the key comparative characteristic of The key milestone of 2020 was the libera- the subject review. tion of Azerbaijani lands from occupation. This became achievable by a counterat- The Government of Azerbaijan con- tack, which was launched on 27 Septem- tinues to take confident and resolute ber 2020 in response to the new act of steps to achieve peace, a decent life aggression of the Armenian armed forces, and the selected targets from the 2030 and ended on 10 November,2020 with Agenda, notwithstanding the numer- signing of the tripartite statement by the ous problems and difficulties, such as leaders of Azerbaijan, Armenia and Rus-

18 Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan THE PROCESS AND METHODOLOGY FOR PREPARING THE REVIEW 1

sia. This created conducive conditions for ing of the tripartite statement. the voluntary, safe and dignified return of The unavailability of maps of the mined the IDPs to their homeland. In this regard, territories severly hinders post-conflict the Government of Azerbaijan ensured rehabilitation and reconstruction plans that the transport (road) infrastructure in the liberated territories of Azerbai- in the liberated territories was on a par jan, and the safe and dignified return with the rest of Azerbaijan to ensure the of Azerbaijani IDPs to their permanent security of those returning to the liberated homes. territories. The main goal of the overall devel- It should also be underlined that during opment strategy of the Republic of the occupation, which lasted for about Azerbaijan in the coming years will be 30 years, the Armenian armed forces the rehabilitation, reconstruction and planted mines and other explosive de- reintegration of conflict-affected areas vices in the territory of Azerbaijan. Ar- and their integration into value chains. menia refuses to furnish Azerbaijan with In line with the SDGs and the principles information about the landmines, thus of the fourth industrial revolution, the deliberately targeting human lives and territories will be developed taking into attempting to impede the return of the consideration local features, resourc- internally displaced persons. Since the es and perspectives, and post-conflict signing of tripartite statement, hundreds reconstruction will function as a driving of Azerbaijani civilians were killed or factor of economic growth in Azerbai- seriously wounded as a result of mine jan. Azerbaijan will continue to contrib- explosions in the liberated territories. ute to peace, security and cooperation More than 100 Azerbaijani servicemen in the region by constantly strengthen- and civilians have been killed or injured ing its economic, political and military by landmines in the area since the sign- superiority.

Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan 19 THE PROCESS AND METHODOLOGY FOR 1 PREPARING THE REVIEW

The restoration of the liberated territo- The Government of the Republic of ries in the coming years will include the Azerbaijan will continue to carry out implementation of measures aimed at restoration and reconstruction activities restoration, reconstruction of economic in the liberated territories with the full and social infrastructure, development engagement of citizens, government of the economy, support for business agencies and the private sector. One of activities, provision of a decent living the main tasks is to attract internation- environment, and the repatriation and al financial resources for sustainable employment of the population in those development of these territories. In this territories. respect, we believe that various stake- holders, including international donor In this regard, the State Programme organizations, will wish to contribute on “Restoration and Sustainable De- to the ongoing efforts to restore the velopment of the Territories of the conflict-affected areas and develop the Republic of Azerbaijan Liberated from potential of their populations. Occupation for 2021-2025” has been formulated. The Programme takes into account security issues, infrastructure UN Sustainable Development and economic potential, return of the Cooperation Framework for population, which is an important part Azerbaijan (2021-2025) of post-conflict rehabilitation with the creation of economically decent living One of the main distinctive features of conditions. It targets private sector the Third Voluntary National Review investment including the extensive presented on behalf of the Government use of public-private partnerships, the of Azerbaijan is that it coincides with process of land reclamation to create the signing and implementation of the demand for local production and stimu- UN Sustainable Development Cooper- late economic growth, the development ation Framework for Azerbaijan (2021- of a competitive economy based on the 2025) between the United Nations and principles of sustainable development, the Government of Azerbaijan. achieving high standards of social wel- fare, the efficient and environmentally The framework guided by the principles sound use of natural resources thereby of “Leaving No One Behind” and “Hu- creating a favourable environment for man Rights Based Approach”. the formation of an environmental secu- rity system based on the protection of It should also be underlined that the the environment. Finally, the harmoni- Framework provides the foundation for ous economic, social and environmen- deeper collaboration and the increased tal elements in the region can ensure effectiveness of the United Nations the sustainable and balanced develop- specialized agencies, and focuses on ment of areas that will accelerate their meeting the goals of the 2030 Agenda development. for Sustainable Development, protecting human rights, and leaving no one behind.

20 Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan THE PROCESS AND METHODOLOGY FOR PREPARING THE REVIEW 1

been nationalized and its scope further In the context of current chal- expanded. New methodologies, based lenges to development plan- on international and, importantly, best ning – including the emergence practices, make the 2021 VNR substan- of COVID-19 as a major global tially different from previous Reviews.2 threat and recovery needs in de-occupied territories, that the Furthermore, the “State Program on Republic of Azerbaijan plans Improvement of Official Statistics in the to rehabilitate– the UNSDCF is Republic of Azerbaijan between 2018 deliberately forward-looking. and 2025” was fundamentally aligned with the relevant SDGs. Important An extract from the UN Sustain- measures such as obtaining statistical able Development Coopera- information on the labour force, pov- tion Framework for Azerbaijan erty, the non-formally employed pop- (UNSDCF) for the period 2021 to ulation, the employment of persons 2025. with disabilities, child labour, access to food by various population groups, the structure of agriculture (via census), development trends, transportation of goods and passengers by road, social Improving the statistical framework welfare of mothers and children in the country context, use of time by dif- Statistical systems today must produce ferent socio-demographic population accurate, up-to-date and comprehen- groups, access and use of ICT by the sive information for quick decision-mak- population, as well as the integration ing and the analysis of the implemen- of government databases into the SSC tation of those decisions. This applies statistical database, monitoring the SDG not only to the implementation of the achievement status, and creating a sta- 2030 Agenda, but also across the tistical database and Internet portal for board in today’s challenging world. It is public awareness, were all reflected in no coincidence that at the UN Summit the State Program. on Sustainable Development Member States adopted a commitment to en- The State Program encompassed a hance statistical capacity in accordance total of 59 actions, including on the with Targets 17.18 and 17.19 of Goal 17 organization of observations and devel- (Strengthen the means of implementa- opment of methodologies in the field of tion and revitalize the Global Partner- social, economic and multidisciplinary ship for Sustainable Development). statistics (29), on metadata and classifi- cations (6), on legal, administrative and As a result of the collaboration and information support of official statistical partnership between the State Statisti- materials (7), on increasing user satis- cal Committee and the UNDP, the statis- faction (3), on international cooperation tical database of the 2030 Agenda has (7), and on strengthening material and

2 First Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan, 2017: https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/content/documents/16005Azerbaijan.pdf Second Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan, 2019: https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/content/documents/23411AZERBAI- 21 JAN_VNR_Report.pdf THE PROCESS AND METHODOLOGY FOR 1 PREPARING THE REVIEW

technical foundation and human re- on six new indicators was developed in sources capability (7). collaboration with relevant government agencies: “3.5.1 Coverage of treat- In 2020, the State Statistical Committee ment interventions (pharmacological, responded to numerous inquiries from psychosocial and rehabilitation and users requesting statistical informa- aftercare services) for substance use tion, including private entrepreneurs. disorders”, “11.6.1 Proportion of munici- In 2020, the work on SDG Indicator pal solid waste collected and managed 17.18.1 (“Statistical capacity indicator for in controlled facilities out of total mu- Sustainable Development Goal monitor- nicipal solid waste generated by cities”, ing”) was financed with funds allocated “13.2.2 Total greenhouse gas emissions from the state budget for the mainte- per year”, “16.3.1 Proportion of victims of nance of the State Statistical Commit- violence in the previous 12 months who tee. During the VNR reporting period, reported their victimization to compe- through an initiative of the State Statisti- tent authorities or other officially recog- cal Committee, the “Sustainable Devel- nized conflict resolution mechanisms”, opment Goals: Statistical Review” was “16.5.1 Proportion of persons who had published, the data was mainstreamed at least one contact with a public official in the National Information Portal on and who paid a bribe to a public offi- the SDGs, and the general public were cial, or were asked for a bribe by those given access to the database to obtain public officials, during the previous 12 updated information on ongoing/com- months”, “17.3.2 Volume of remittances pleted activities related to the SDGs. (in USD) as a proportion of total GDP”. Thus, metadata repository now con- Certain activities were carried out with tains information on 92 SDG Indicators the aim of expanding the statistical (37.2% of the number of global indica- database on the SDG indicators. In this tors), and 70 national priority indica- connection, global methodologies on tors (58.8 % of the number of national SDG indicators were studied and data indicators).3

3 119 indicators were approved as national priorities by Resolution No. 7 of 7 February 2019 of the National Coordination Council for Sustainable Develop- 22 ment of the Republic of Azerbaijan POLICY AND ENABLING ENVIRONMENT BY 2030 2

Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan 23 POLICY AND ENABLING ENVIRONMENT 2 BY 2030

2.1. Integration of SDGs The SDGs, selected on the basis of the into the national development “Leaving No One Behind” principle, will agenda serve to improve the well-being of all citizens living in Azerbaijan by 2030, The alignment of the SDGs to national and specifically will target meeting the priorities in the Republic of Azerbaijan needs of the poorest people in the follows the key principles established spirit of global solidarity. This initiative within the framework of a collective focuses on ensuring a prosperous and approach to implementing the 2030 happy life for all people, as well as on Agenda for Sustainable Development: achieving development that ensures economic, social and technical prog- Universality; ress in harmony with nature. Leaving No One Behind; To ensure the monitoring of the imple- Commitment to human rights; mentation of the 2030 Agenda and to Complexity and integrity. accelerate its implementation in the Formulating a national development next decade, the National Coordination strategy that is in line with the 2030 Council for Sustainable Development Agenda helps to identify new opportu- conducted two high level meetings with nities for the country’s key policy doc- the heads of government agencies and uments. By integrating the SDGs into conveyed comprehensive discussions the national development agenda the in 2020. The process of aligning the “2030 Agenda” can be amalgamated national development agenda with the with national, regional and local plans, SDGs continued in 2020 with the fol- as well as relevant budget allocations. lowing projects:

As a first step to increasing the efficien- cy of activities in this respect, the Con- 1. The State Programme on Socio-Eco- cept of Development “Azerbaijan 2020: nomic Development of the Regions for Look into the future” and the “Strategic the period from 2019 to 2023. Road Maps for National Economy and Main Economic Sectors” began to iden- The main goal of the new state pro- tify where the national agenda was in gramme is to ensure the sustainable compliance with the SDGs and related and balanced development of the targets and where gaps existed. regions. This includes the creation of a favourable environment and forma- The implementation of 17 goals, 88 tar- tion of an environmental safety system gets and 119 indicators, approved at the which will ensure a competitive econ- meeting of the National Coordination omy based on the principles of the Council for Sustainable Development SDGs; ensuring that social welfare is on 7 February 2019, continued success- maintained at a high standard, that nat- fully in 2020. ural resources are used efficiently and that the environment is fully protected.

24 Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan POLICY AND ENABLING ENVIRONMENT BY 2030 2

Taking into account the implementation framework on improving and increas- of a wide-range of infrastructure and ing the efficiency of plastic packaging investment projects in previous state waste management system are expect- programmes on regional development, ed, together with the formulation of a the new state programme has identified market for additional raw materials, and the following issues as key priorities: to the expanded use of alternative pack- further accelerate the development of aging. Furthermore, using international the non-oil sector, to support the prog- experience the activities will target the ress of the real sector of the economy, creation of a favourable environment as well as encourage entrepreneurship for potential entrepreneurs and inves- through new mechanisms, to increase tors interested in the field of recycling, the requisite knowledge and skills of identify financing for a collection and business enterprises, and to provide processing system, as well as develop consulting and other services. The new business opportunities on the ba- new programme was aligned with SDG sis of modern technologies, strengthen 4, SDG 5, SDG 6, SDG 9, SDG 10 and the recycling market, and create new SDG 15. The successful implementation jobs. The activities will thus contribute of the programme will contribute to to achieving SDG 11, SDG 12, SDG 13, achieving these goals and their associ- SDG 14, and SDG 15. ated targets.

3. Action Plan to ensuring the efficient 2. Action Plan on reducing the negative use of water resources for the period impact of plastic packaging waste on the from 2020 to 2022. environment in the Republic of Azerbai- jan for the period from 2019 to 2020. The Action Plan was developed to assess, protect and ensure the efficient The “Action Plan on reducing the nega- use of water resources. Its goal is also tive impact of plastic packaging waste to enhance the electronic water man- on the environment in the Republic of agement, accounting and delivery infor- Azerbaijan for the period from 2019 to mation system, to improve the efficient 2020” in line with the “Strategic Road- use of water by the energy sector, to map on the Production and Processing ensure the efficient and rational use of of Agricultural Products in the Republic water for irrigation, finding of water re- of Azerbaijan” was developed to re- sources, to upgrade the drinking water duce pollution in this area based on supply system, and to raise awareness an assessment of the negative impact on the overall issue of water resources. of the mass use of plastic packag- The Action Plan also aims to identify ing products on plants, animals, land how best to effectively finance the -wa and water resources. The Action Plan ter resource/supply infrastructure. The aims to minimize this negative impact Action Plan has been aligned with SDG through its planned activities. In this 6, SDG 9, SDG 12, SDG 13 and SDG 14 regard, improvements on the regulatory of the 2030 Agenda.

Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan 25 POLICY AND ENABLING ENVIRONMENT 2 BY 2030

4. Draft National Water Strategy of the purpose of directly supporting the Republic of Azerbaijan. implementation of the environmental objectives, targets and indicators of the The National Water Strategy Project of 2030 Agenda. In this regard, it prohibits Azerbaijan has been drafted and work the import, manufacture, sale or provi- is underway to develop an action plan sion to consumers, trade, catering and for the Strategy based on the comple- other service facilities of plastic poly- tion of specific milestones: short-term ethylene bags up to 15 microns thick, activity until 2025, medium-term activity disposable plastic mixing rods, forks, until 2030 and long-term activity, in line spoons, knives, plates and cups. The with the SDGs. law relates to SDG 6, SDG 12, SDG 13 and SDG 15. The Strategy focuses on key challeng- es, such as improvements to legislation, institutional structure and capacity, and 6. Joint Action Plan to Support Green the development of cooperation on Agriculture (2020-2023). transboundary waters in accordance with the principles of integrated water The Ministry of Ecology and Natural resources management. The goal of Resources of the Republic of Azerbaijan the Strategy is to develop a system of and the Ministry of Agriculture of the water resources management, pro- Republic of Azerbaijan developed and tection, water supply and wastewater approved the “Joint Action Plan to Sup- management in Azerbaijan that ad- port Green Agriculture (2020-2023)”. heres to international standards. The The Action Plan will contribute to the National Water Strategy is an important implementation of SDG 2, SDG 8, SDG document for the implementation of the 13 and SDG 15. Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes and its Protocol on 7. Alignment of draft sectoral strategic Water and Health. Equally, the Strategy plans to be developed within Medi- will play a significant role in the suc- um-term expenditures framework to cessful implementation of water policy SDGs. in Azerbaijan. The draft Strategy has been aligned with SDG 6, SDG 12, SDG 7.1. Sector Strategic Plan on Agricul- 13, SDG 14 and SDG 17. ture. The purpose of this draft Plan is to en- sure food security through the efficient 5. Draft Law on amendments to the use of existing natural and economic Law “On Protection of the Environ- resources in the Republic of Azerbaijan, ment” of the Republic of Azerbaijan. to meet the requirements of the indus- trial sector for raw materials and food The draft law was adopted by Parlia- products through local production, to ment on 20 November 2020 with the increase agricultural exports and to in-

26 Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan POLICY AND ENABLING ENVIRONMENT BY 2030 2

crease employment in the regions. One 7.2. Strategic Plan on the Education of the key areas of the Strategic Plan is Sector. “Environmental protection, sustainable The main goal of the draft plan is to es- use of natural resources and climate tablish a knowledge-based economy, to change impact management on agricul- create an education system that takes ture.” The following measures will be a leading position among the countries implemented: of the world in terms of quality results and coverage. Furthermore, the draft - Create mechanisms to reduce the plan envisages the following actions negative impact of climate change to meet the requirements of the labour and other natural factors on agri- market and to ensure the development culture; of national competitive human capital in - Improve mechanisms to reduce the country: the negative impact of agriculture - to ensure the acquisition of system- on the environment; atized knowledge, skills and prac- - Improve mechanisms for the sus- tices and continuous professional tainable use of agricultural lands development; and water resources; - to prepare students for social life - Develop environmentally clean and productive employment; agricultural production. - to train modern-minded and com- petitive personnel. The draft plan also envisages the imple- The draft plan is aligned with SDG 4 mentation of measures such as “Im- and SDG 8. proving the system of human resources management and training” and “Improv- 7.3 Strategic Plan on the Environmental ing the system of science, education Sector. and information and consulting services The main goal of the draft plan is to en- in agriculture” over the period 2021 to sure sustainable development through 2024. environmental protection and the effi- cient use of natural resources, protect- Furthermore, the draft plan has identi- ing ecosystems, minimizing the harmful fied specific goals for the medium term, impact on the environment by applying through a strategic analysis and SWOT low-emission technologies and innova- analysis of agriculture. In this respect, tive methods, and the restoration and implementing agencies have been protection of its original status. identified in line with the measures, as have the required financial resources The draft plan will create new opportu- for the current year and the forecast for nities for improving the environmental the subsequent three years, and the situation, protecting the environmental strategic indicators for the sector. The components, ensuring the right of the project is associated with SDG 2, SDG 8 population to live in the natural envi- and SDG 15. ronment and the efficient use of natural

Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan 27 POLICY AND ENABLING ENVIRONMENT 2 BY 2030

resources by solving existing environ- especially women and young mental problems in the country. families, and enhance the partic- ipation of women in political and The draft plan relates to SDG 6, SDG 9, public life, decision-making and SDG 13, SDG 14 and SDG 15. governance; - Increase employment opportuni- ties for rural women, the disabled, 8. “National Action Plan on Gender IDP and refugee women (through Equality for the period from 2021 to vocational courses, small business 2025” project. development), and other measures. The project will implement the following The project will support the implementa- activities: tion of SDG 4, SDG 5, SDG 8 and SDG 10. - Improve legislation on gender equality and women’s rights; 9. Draft “National Action Plan for the - Raise awareness on gender equal- period from 2020 to 2023” on the ity and women’s rights among the implementation of “Resolution 1325 population, strengthen measures on Women, Peace and Security” in the to combat gender-based violence, Republic of Azerbaijan. and achieve gender equality in the economic sphere; Resolution 1325, the first of eight UN - Develop small business opportu- Security Council resolutions on women, nities for women, and increase the peace and security, calls on Member competitiveness of women in the States to collaborate on averting the labour market; effects of armed conflict on women and girls, protecting them from violence - Prevent and combat gender ste- during armed conflicts, and prevent- reotypes; ing, settling and resolving conflicts and - Conduct research to study the increasing the representation of women basic needs of vulnerable and at the regional and international level. isolated groups of women and The draft plan will contribute to the im- men, including rural women, the plementation of SDG 5 and SDG 16. disabled, IDPs, refugees and the elderly; 10. General Collective Agreement be- - Enhance the participation of wom- tween the Cabinet of Ministers of the en and girls in peace processes, Republic of Azerbaijan and the Trade and eliminate truancy and early Unions Confederation and the Na- marriages; tional Confederation of Entrepreneurs - Enhance measures in the field of (Employers) Organization of Azerbai- reproductive health and family jan Republic for the period from 2020 planning among the population, to 2022.

28 Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan POLICY AND ENABLING ENVIRONMENT BY 2030 2

The main purpose of the General Col- lective Agreement is to form a social- 1. A steadily growing, competitive ly-oriented national economy, made economy: possible by the successful reforms in 1.1. stable and high economic Azerbaijan to maintain macroeconomic growth; stability, to diversify the economy and 1.2. resistance to internal and exter- to accelerate the development of the nal influences. non-oil sectors and regions. 2. A dynamic, inclusive society based In addition, the Agreement will act as a on social justice: driver in strengthening State support for 2.1. benefits to every citizen from entrepreneurship through socio-eco- development; nomic policy, in ensuring the creation of 2.2. greater and fairer social security employment opportunities and the pro- within an inclusive society; vision of new jobs, thereby increasing 2.3. balanced development of both the income and improving the material the capital and regions. well-being of citizens with the aim of reducing poverty and unemployment in 3. Competitive human capital and the country. The Agreement is aligned space of modern innovations: with SDG 8, SDG 9 and SDG 10. 3.1. education in compliance with the requirements of the 21st century; The action plans prepared for imple- 3.2. creative and innovative society; mentation of the “2030 Agenda” focus 3.3. healthy lifestyle of citizens. on national and regional governing or- ganizations in terms of the importance 4. Great return to the liberated territo- of supporting the implementation of ries: goals and targets at the central exec- 4.1. sustainable settlement; utive level and the significance of the 4.2. reintegration into economic ac- role of regional and local governments tivity. in achieving the SDGs. 5. Clean environment and “green The importance of participation in the growth” country: global action to achieve the SDGs was 5.1. high quality environmental envi- demonstrated by the Decree of the ronment; President of the Republic of Azerbaijan 5.2. green energy space. on the approval of the “National Priori- ties for Socio-Economic Development: The specified National Priorities are Azerbaijan - 2030” (2 February 2021). also important with regard to the imple- mentation of the commitments arising According to the Decree, the following from the United Nations “Transforming five National Priorities for the socio-eco- our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sus- nomic development of the country must tainable Development”. be implemented in the next decade:

Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan 29 POLICY AND ENABLING ENVIRONMENT 2 BY 2030

In the framework on “National Priori- 2.2. National ownership of SDGs ties for Socio-Economic Development: Azerbaijan - 2030”, the Prime Minister The policy of the State of Azerbaijan of the Republic of Azerbaijan signed for the inclusion of the SDGs into the the Order to establish a Commission to national development agenda for the formalise the “Strategy for Socio-Eco- period 2018 to 2021 has continued to nomic Development for the period be successfully implemented. from 2021 until 2025” and facilitate the organization and coordination process It should be underlined that the key for planning and management. driver of nationalisation, based on international experience, was to organ- In order to coordinate the activities ise awareness-raising events to involve of relevant government agencies in everyone in the process in accordance the development of the Strategy, a with the principle of “Leaving No One sub-working group was formulated for Behind”. each of the following areas: - Economic growth (National Priority The main goal the 2030 Agenda is the 1.1 and 2.3) expansion of global cooperation for - Macroeconomic stability (National sustainable development through mul- Priority 1.2) tilateral partnerships, to mobilize and - Macro-fiscal framework ensuring share knowledge, experience, technol- public debt sustainability and fis- ogy and funding to achieve the SDGs cal stability (covers all priorities) in all countries, especially in the devel- oping countries. In this regard, multiple - Inclusive social development and awareness-raising activities were imple- social security (National Priority mented from 2019 to 2020 to bring the 2.1. and 2.2.) SDGs in line with national priorities. The - Education (National Priority 3.1.) - Innovation (National Priority 3.2.) - Healthy lifestyle (National Priority 3.3.) - Sustainable settlement and eco- nomic reintegration (National Priority 4.1 and 4.2) - Environmental matters (National Priority 5.1.) - Green energy space (National Priority 5.2.) A Secretariat was also established in the Ministry of Economy to coordinate activities on the development of the Strategy. Quality education and lifelong learning opportunities

30 Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan POLICY AND ENABLING ENVIRONMENT BY 2030 2

to education for all young people and create equal opportunities for all in line with the principle of “Leaving No One Behind”. Active discussions were held among young people, Members of Parliament and representatives of the Ministry of Education, and rectors of universities.

Furthermore, a video conference on Virtual event on “Equal quality education and life- “The role of youth in the liberated ter- long learning opportunities” ritories” was organized by the National Coordination Council for Sustainable activities included the following: Development. The participants ex- changed their views on the Azerbaijani A series of panel discussions on “Sus- youth who represent the country on tainable Youth Development” were various platforms, as well as the active organized in 2020 to enhance the role engagement of Azerbaijani young peo- of youth in achieving the SDGs within ple in the restoration of the liberated the project “Sustainable Development territories, and their contribution to the Goals for Youth” implemented by the implementation of the SDGs. National Coordination Council for Sus- tainable Development. The National Coordination Council for The event included discussions on Sustainable Development organized “Equal quality education and lifelong a further video conference on “Sus- learning opportunities”, and State tainable and personal development support measures to improve access of young people in the liberated terri-

Sustainable and individual development of young people in the liberated territories Sustainable and personal development of young people in the liberated territories

Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan 31 POLICY AND ENABLING ENVIRONMENT 2 BY 2030

tories” at the end of 2020. The event sequences of early marriage and truan- focused on our glorious victory of the cy” to 730 people, through Facebook brave Azerbaijani Army in the 44-day and e-mails. Patriotic War under the leadership of Victorious Commander-in-Chief of the Furthemore, a guidebook on SDG 5, Armed Forces Ilham Aliyev, and dis- namely “Practical recommendations for cussed the role of our young people in implementation of Gender Equality Pol- achieving the victory. Discussions were icy in Municipalities” was published by held on the challenges faced by today’s the State Committee for Family, Women youth in ensuring their personal devel- and Children Affairs under the frame- opment, education, gender equality and work of mutual cooperation between the family planning and on how these relate State Committee and the German Agen- to the SDGs. cy for International Cooperation (GIZ).

To raising awareness and promote the On the occasion of “10 December - Hu- engagement of all in the SDG pro- man Rights Day”, the Commissioner for cess the Ministry of Youth and Sports Human Rights (Ombudsperson) of the held an online international confer- Republic of Azerbaijan held an online ence on “Sustainable Development conference on the topic “Human rights and Youth: New Opportunities and protection and advocacy in COVID-19 Challenges”, dedicated to the “11 July and wartime” to promote SDG 16. - World Population Day”, with the goal of enhancing the role of youth in the The Ministry of Education also played implementation of the SDGs. Govern- an active role in the implementation of ment officials, Parliamentarians, repre- SDG 16 during the reporting period. Of sentatives of youth organizations and the169 targets set by the Ministry of Ed- SDG Youth Ambassadors spoke at the ucation in relation to the 17 SDG goals, conference and provided detailed in- 106 were taken into account within 176 formation on the activities implement- standards and applied to the general ed to date. Young representatives education system. These standards from other countries also attended the covered the 3rd to 11th grades and conference to share their experiences were included in 10 subjects. in raising awareness among young people on the SDGs. In November 2020, the Azerbaijan Trade Unions Confederation, in col- The State Committee for Family, Wom- laboration with the UN and ILO, held a en and Children’s Affairs has held mul- webinar with social partners to discuss tiple events to promote SDG 5. Within Target 2.2 of SDG 8. This was followed this framework, the Child and Family by a further webinar in December, orga- Support Centres of Agdam, Goranboy, nized in collaboration with ILO-ACTRAV- Hajigabul Saatli, Sabirabad, Zagatala ATUC, on the UN SDG Framework and and Goygol, Zardab towns distributed the preparation of the VNR. educational material on the topic “Con- Representatives from the Chamber of

32 Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan POLICY AND ENABLING ENVIRONMENT BY 2030 2

Accounts (Supreme Audit Institution) review”. This publication is available in of the Republic of Azerbaijan attend- Azerbaijani and English, and explains ed various events and working group the nature of the global goals and meetings, organized by the Internation- targets set out in the “2030 Agenda”, al Organization of Supreme Audit Insti- highlighting the global challenges tutions (INTOSAI), on the role of higher being faced, and providing an analysis audit institutions in achieving the SDG of the sustainable development trends targets, bilateral and multilateral dis- in the national context via statistical in- cussions, exchanged experiences with dicators, describing the various graphs colleagues, and implemented control and tables over the past decade measures. (2010-2019). The National Information Portal (NIP) on SDGs, released online It should be noted that, in 2020, the by the State Statistical Committee in Chamber of Accounts amended its 2019, plays an important role in rais- mandate to incorporate the SDGs. ing awareness. The NIP also provides Thus, in 2020, the Chamber conduct- regular access to information on the ed the first performance audit, namely global goals, targets and indicators, the “State Financial Control Measure national priorities for the SDGs, appli- on Assessment of Forest Management cable legal framework, implementation Activities of the Forest Development mechanisms, government programmes, Service under the Ministry of Ecology strategies, reports and publications and Natural Resources of the Republic in the social, economic and environ- of Azerbaijan” which is in accordance mental spheres, along with SDG data with the SDG 15 Indicators. through text, graphics and tables. As in previous years, the State Oil Company The Chamber acknowledges that forest of the Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR) management is of great social, public, developed and published the “Sustain- economic, and cultural importance, and able Development Report” during the has global significance in the context of reporting period. The Report outlines climate change. Therefore, to achieve the company’s economic, social and SDG 15, in addition to assessing the environmental outputs, and is pub- effectiveness and efficiency of forest lished in Azerbaijani and English with development funds, the lack of funding both printed and digital (via its website) for forestry management should be resources available to stakeholders. also assessed and more attention paid The company uses the Report to raise to the socio-economic significance of awareness on the SDGs among gov- forests and greenery rather than the ernmental organizations and non-gov- economic. ernmental organizations, international organizations, partners, educational in- Since 2018, the State Statistical Com- stitutions (in particular the Baku Higher mittee began publishing an annual Oil School), staff and companies oper- statistical compendium entitled “Sus- ating in the oil and gas industry. tainable Development Goals: statistical

Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan 33 POLICY AND ENABLING ENVIRONMENT 2 BY 2030

National Innovation Contest Innovation Contests, which is a testa- (Ideas for Change) ment to the importance of innovation for the country. In the context of globalization, the expansion and dissemination of inno- vation activities, and their application in the field of production, creates new Projects submitted to the National challenges for countries. The competi- Innovation Contests tiveness of the countries that promote high value-added industries at the In this respect, the Ministry of Justice’s global and regional levels has a very support to innovative projects, especial- positive impact on the development of ly the “Electronic Power of Attorney for innovation. Vehicles” project, which won the First “National Innovation Contest”, will help In this regard, to encourage innovation, improve the quality of social services promote high value-added sectors, provided to various groups, ensure and support the implementation of the innovation-based progress, encourage “Azerbaijan 2020: Look into the future” the operation of innovation subjects Concept of Development and “Strategic and increase efficiency. Road Maps for National Economy and Main Economic Sectors”, the Ministry of More than 200 projects were included Economy and the UNDP Country Office in the National Innovation Contests in organized three “National Innovation 2019, of which 36% were related to Contests” which had already become social, 30% to the economy, and 34% to a tradition as a result of previous suc- the environment. cessful collaboration. This contest is the first national competition in Azerbaijan The winning projects were: to promote the SDGs. 1. “Secret of Longevity” project: The project was concerned with To ensure the sustainability of activities promoting the green economy in the relevant fields, and to collect, and environmentally friendly agri- evaluate and reward ideas and projects cultural production in line with the in the selected areas, the Ministry of relevant targets of SDG 3, SDG 8 Economy, Ministry of Transport, Com- and SDG 15. munications and High Technologies and 2. “Nanomembrane” project: State Agency for Public Service and So- The project envisages the appli- cial Innovations formalized their mutual cation of an economically viable cooperation through a Memorandum of method of decontamination of vari- Understanding in 2017. ous origins in the agrarian industry, and thus contributes to achieving In 2018 the Ernst & Young office in Baku the relevant targets of SDG 6, SDG together with the Ministry of Culture 7, SDG 13 and SDG 14. organised and promoted the National

34 Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan POLICY AND ENABLING ENVIRONMENT BY 2030 2

2.3. Support of NGOs and In November 2019, an international private sector in the conference on “SDGs and Business implementation of the SDGs Environment” was organised by the Azerbaijan Entrepreneurs Confedera- tion (AEC) and the International Labour Creating inclusive and sustainable Organization (ILO) and was attended by economic growth opportunities for all government officials, representatives of and “Leaving No One Behind” is a pri- international organizations and various ority for the Government of Azerbaijan. business enterprises. Discussions at the The Government also demonstrates a event covered such topics as the imple- strong will to transition to sustainable mentation of SDGs in Azerbaijan, the development and align its national main obstacles and challenges in the development strategy with the SDGs. Furthermore, the importance of involv- business environment, as well as the ing stakeholders, especially non-gov- creation of a favourable environment for ernmental organizations and the private sustainable enterprises in Azerbaijan. sector, in accelerating the implementa- tion of the SDGs and at the same time At the same time, to enhance the role increasing the efficiency of their imple- of the private sector in the implemen- mentation, is acknowledged. In this re- tation of the SDGs, the Entrepreneur- spect, government agencies which are ship Development Fund developed a members of the National Coordination concept document which combines Council for Sustainable Development, environmental protection, social policy held regular meetings and discussions and corporate governance (ESG) fac- with NGOs and the private sector. tors to contribute to implementing the 2030 Agenda. The specified factors will To enhance the role of NGOs in the im- directly influence to the SDGs and, at plemention of the 2030 Agenda, coop- the same time, contribute to increase eration with several NGOs was initiated the source of funding. and activities implemented under the projects “Increasing the role of PWDs In support of the implementation of and other vulnerable social groups as the SDGs, the Ministry of Labour and entrepreneurs in ensuring sustainable Social Protection of Population and economic development and provide a the Association of Banks of Azerbaijan foundation for solving existing problems began a joint project entitled “Support in this sphere in Azerbaijan in compli- to Self-Employment”. The goal of the ance with the principles of UN SDGs”, project is to provide financial (bank) and “Organization of online workshops and other assistance to unemployed on the role of entrepreneurs in ensuring low-income people, including people sustainable economic development in with disabilities, martyrs’ families, IDPs, Azerbaijan”; both projects were devel- recipients of targeted state social assis- oped by the Council on State Support tance and other vulnerable groups, to to NGOs under the Auspices of the enable them to start small businesses. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan. To date 666 citizens have been provid-

Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan 35 POLICY AND ENABLING ENVIRONMENT 2 BY 2030

ed with assistance under the project. Elements of ESG factors The project activities are expected to contribute to achieving the main targets of SDG 1, SDG 8 and SDG 10. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION Climate change and carbon emissions; During the reporting period, the Entre- Air and water pollution; preneurship Development Fund provid- ed AZN 368,000 in soft loans to finance Biodiversity conservation; the investment projects of 23 IDP en- Prevention of deforestation; trepreneurs through authorized credit Use of alternative energy; institutions. Through these projects 27 Waste management; new jobs were created and five Limited Solution to water scarcity (non-com- Liability Companies were launched by the Small and Medium Business Devel- pliance of clean water resources with opment Agency (SMBDA) in new set- standard water requirements) and etc. tlements in the Fizuli region. 15 green- houses with an area of 160 m2 each SOCIAL POLICY were built and 150 bee families with 10 bee families were given to 15 families Customer satisfaction; in Jojug Marjanli village of the Jabrayil Gender and diversity issues; region. These project activities will con- Ensuring employment; tribute to implementing SDG 1, SDG 8, Regulating community relations; SDG 10 and SDG 17. Protection of human rights; Taking into account the complex nature Ensuring health and safety; of public-private partnership projects, Employee standards; the new model for Azerbaijan and the Supporting vulnerable segments of knowledge and skills required for their population, etc. implementation, the SMBDA paid spe- cial attention to building the capacity and education of stakeholders. The GOVERNANCE Public-Entrepreneurship Partnership Board composition; Development Centre of the SMBDA Fighting bribery and corruption; organized online workshops on pub- lic-private partnership (PPP) in cooper- High business reputation and maintain- ation with the Istanbul Public-Private ing it; Partnership Centre of Excellence and Political contribution (support); the Energy Regulatory Agency. The Availability of documents in compli- goal of the events, which included the ance with International Financial Re- participation of various government agencies and business representatives, porting Standards, and etc. is to raise awareness about the devel- opment of public-private partnership in

36 Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan POLICY AND ENABLING ENVIRONMENT BY 2030 2

Azerbaijan and to expand the applica- develop the PPP environment. An of- tion of this model, as well as to study ficial request was filed with the Asian relevant overseas expertise. The staff of Development Bank’s Asia Pacific Project the Centre also participated in multiple Preparation Facility (AP3F), and an agree- training sessions organized by the PPP ment was reached regarding a techni- with the support of the Black Sea Trade cal assistance project on grant funding and Development Bank and the Euro- for the “Capacity Building Assistance: pean Union. Support to the Azerbaijan Public-Private Partnership Development Centre and the The Public-Entrepreneurial Partnership Project Development Fund”. Development Centre and the Istanbul Public-Private Partnership Centre of Through the Multilateral Platform for Excellence signed a Memorandum of Sustainable Infrastructure (SIF) a pre- Understanding with regard to collabo- liminary agreement was reached to ration and the organization of events integrate the SIF SOURCE platform, for PPP information and expertise which offers a unique mechanism and exchange, training sessions and work- tools, into the PPP project development shops, the how to attract foreign in- process and relevant IT resources in vestment from Turkey through the PPP Azerbaijan. This agreement facilitates model, and the provision of support to the effective planning of PPP projects design relevant projects, etc. managed by the Fund, coordination with relevant agencies, monitoring and Measures are also being taken to use supervision of the process and in partic- international support mechanisms to ular attracts international investment.

Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan 37 38 Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan STRENGTHENING PARTNERSHIPS TO SUPPORT THE IMPLEMENTATION OF SDGs 3

Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan 39 STRENGTHENING PARTNERSHIPS TO SUPPORT 3 THE IMPLEMENTATION OF SDGs

Signing ceremony of UN-Azerbaijan Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for the period 2021 to 2025.

Cooperation with international orga- nation with the Ministry of Economy in nizations (relevant UN agencies and August 2020. other international organizations) to achieve the SDGs in Azerbaijan con- Furthermore, a decision was made to tinued successfully in 2020. The doc- develop the “UN-Azerbaijan Sustain- uments signed with regard to cooper- able Development Cooperation Frame- ation with international partners also work for the period 2021 to 2025”, focus on sustainable development which defines the subsequent areas of issues. In this respect, the United cooperation between the UN and Azer- Nations-Azerbaijan Partnership Frame- baijan. In January 2020, a consultation work (UNAPF) for the period 2016 workshop was held to draft the Frame- to 2020, is particularly relevant. The work, with the participation of relevant “Final Evaluation Report” and “Joint government agencies, civil society, Action Plans for 2019-2020” were private sector, youth organizations, and agreed and approved by the members academic circles, at which priority areas of the Steering Committee in coordi- of the document were defined.

40 Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan STRENGTHENING PARTNERSHIPS TO SUPPORT THE IMPLEMENTATION OF SDGs 3

The resulting Framework for coopera- tion), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG tion is based on the principles of “Leav- 12 (Responsible Consumption and ing No One Behind”, human rights, gen- Production), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice der equality, sustainable development, and Strong Institutions), and SDG sustainability and accountability, and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). The is in compliance with the SDGs of the Outcome affects industry, innovation 2030 Agenda. The future outlook, aris- and infrastructure (SDG 9), reducing ing from the general analysis process inequality (SDG 10), and sustainable and the analysis of potential gaps in the cities and communities (SDG 11). country, has been specified and divided - Priority Area 3 focuses on SDG 6 into four priority areas, which will be the (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG focus of the UN development system 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), during the period from 2021 to 2025. SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land). The Outcome affects Priority Area 1: Inclusive Growth that quality education (SDG 4), reducing Reduces Vulnerability inequality (SDG 10), sustainable cities and Builds Resilience. and communities (SDG 11), protecting Priority Area 2: Stronger Institutions for life below water (SDG 14), and part- Better Public and Social nership for the Goals (SDG 17). Services Delivery. - Priority Area 4 focuses on SDG Priority Area 3: Protecting the Environ- 3 (Good Health and Well-being), ment and Addressing and SDG 5 (Gender Equality). The Climate Change. Outcome affects good health and Priority Area 4: A Gender-Equitable well-being (SDG 3), quality education Society that Empowers (SDG 4), reducing inequality (SDG Women and Girls. 10), partnership for the Goals (SDG 17). The Priority Areas relate to each SDG as follows: - Priority Area 1 focuses on SDG 2 In the framework of sharing the best (Zero Hunger), SDG 8 (Decent Work experience on the implementation of and Economic Growth) and SDG 9 the SDGs, the Azerbaijan delegation (Industry, Innovation and Infrastruc- attended several prestigious confer- ture). The Outcome affects poverty ences and workshops, and delivered (SDG 1), quality education (SDG 4), speeches on the difficulties and future reducing inequality (SDG 10), sustain- challenges of achieving the SDGs able cities and communities (SDG 11) (the UN Economic and Social Council and promoting peaceful and inclu- (ECOSOC) High-Level Political Forum sive societies (SDG 16). on Sustainable Development (HLPF), July 2020 (held virtually); the Regional - Priority Area 2 focuses on SDG 1 (No Forum on Sustainable Development of Poverty), SDG 3 (Good Health and the United Nations Economic Commis- Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Educa- sion for Europe (UNECE), March 2020;

Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan 41 STRENGTHENING PARTNERSHIPS TO SUPPORT 3 THE IMPLEMENTATION OF SDGs

the 7th Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustain- USD 100 million project was approved able Development of the United Na- with World Bank support, entitled “Em- tions Economic and Social Commission ployment Support in Azerbaijan”. The for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), project will contribute to SDG 8 and is May 2020, (video conference); and the expected to attract 2,000 people to North and Central Asian Multi-Stake- self-employment small business oppor- holder Forum on Implementation of the tunities during 2020 and reach a further Sustainable Development Goals within 5,000 people each year between 2021- the framework of UNESCAP from Sep- 2025. tember 2020). A related project, “Creating Inclusive Furthermore, with the support of UN and Decent Jobs for Socially Vulner- agencies, Azerbaijan delegations par- able Groups”, launched in December ticipated in various SDG-related inter- 2018 by the Ministry of Labour and national events in 2020, including the Social Protection of Population in col- “SDG Moment” (18.09.2020), “Financing laboration with the UN Development the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable De- Programme, strengthens the social velopment in the Era of COVID-19 and protection of persons with disabilities, Beyond” (29.09. 2020), “Financing the enhances the capacities of unemployed implementation of SDGs” (28.05.2020), job-seekers among the less fortunate and VNR workshops for countries pre- segments of society and introduces senting at the HLPF in 2021. A decision them to a wide array of opportunities in was made at the level of the Govern- the formal labour market in accordance ment of the Republic of Azerbaijan to with the principle of “Leaving No One submit the subsequent Voluntary Na- Behind”. The project covers the peri- tional Review of Azerbaijan during the od 2019 to 2024, and it is expected to HLPF for Sustainable Development to involve 500 people with disabilities in be held under the auspices of ECOSOC self-employment activities each year. in 2021. In this respect, a letter was sent Within the project, 693 disabled people to the President of ECOSOC in August have already participated in training 2020 on behalf of the Deputy Prime sessions in 12 pilot districts (Absheron, Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Shamakhi, Goychay, Zagatala, Shamkir, Chairman of the National Coordination Barda, Fizuli regions, Binagadi, Sabun- Council for Sustainable Development, chu districts of Baku and Ganja, Min- and our country was added to the list of gachevir and Sumgait cities). countries to submit a Voluntary National Review in 2021. During the reporting period, Azerbaijan provided humanitarian, financial and In accordance with the instruction of technical assistance to 33 countries, via the President of the Republic of Azer- the World Health Organization, ISES- baijan to support the access of 22,000 CO and the United Nations Relief and people to small business support under Works Agency for Palestine Refugees the self-employment programme, a in the Near East (UNRWA) provided

42 Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan STRENGTHENING PARTNERSHIPS TO SUPPORT THE IMPLEMENTATION OF SDGs 3

humanitarian, financial and other tech- nization amounting to USD 10 million nical assistance. Support was also over the period under review. At the provided to help fight the COVID-19 same time, the Government provided pandemic on a bilateral and multilateral USD 5 million in humanitarian assis- basis. Furthermore, at the beginning tance to the Islamic Republic of Iran of 2020, Azerbaijan allocated USD on a humanitarian basis to combat the 50,000 to help address the severe con- COVID-19 pandemic. sequences of forest fires in Australia, and USD 20,000 to address the severe Azerbaijan currently ranks 54th among socio-economic difficulties caused by 166 countries, in the “Sustainable De- the Ebola epidemic in the Democratic velopment Goals Index” of the United Republic of Congo and in the region fol- Nations Sustainable Development lowing a request by the African Union. Report 2020. According to a report by the World Economic Forum, Azerbaijan The Government of Azerbaijan has ranks the 3rd in the Inclusive Devel- also made two voluntary financial con- opment Index among 74 developing tributions to the World Health Orga- countries.

Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan 43 44 Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan THE IMPACT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC AND THE CRISIS ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE 2030 AGENDA 4

Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan 45 THE IMPACT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC AND THE CRISIS ON THE 4 IMPLEMENTATION OF THE 2030 AGENDA

Figure 1. Real growth rate of GDP and Non-oil-gas GDP real growth rate (%)

Real growth rate of GDP Non-oil-gas GDP real growth rate

Source: SSC The COVID-19 Coronavirus infection terms and amounted to AZN 72.432 detected on 31 December 2019 was de- billion in current prices, and GDP per clared a pandemic by the World Health capita declined by 5.0% and amount- Organization on 11 March 2020. The ed to AZN 7,262.8. During this period, pandemic dealt a devastating blow to value added production in the non-oil the global economic value chain, in- and gas sector declined by 2.6%, and in cluding the economies and health sys- connection with the fulfilment of Azer- tems of countries. Due to the impact of baijan’s obligations under the “OPEC the pandemic on Azerbaijan’s economy, Plus” agreement it declined by 7.0% in in 2020 GDP declined by 4.3% in real the oil and gas sector.

Figure 2. Production structure of GDP (2020, %)

Production of goods Production of services Net taxes on production and imports

Source: SSC

46 Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan THE IMPACT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC AND THE CRISIS ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE 2030 AGENDA 4

In 2020, oil production was 34.6 mil- by the Government also serves to en- lion tons (7.8% decrease) and com- sure the continuation of activities under mercial gas production was 26.1 billion the SDGs. The support programme m3 (6.3% increase). The added value focuses on the following areas: generated in 2020 was produced as follows: industry 33.7%; trade, repair of Protection of economic activity vehicles 11.5%; construction 7.7%; trans- - Direct financial support to port and warehousing 7.1%; agriculture, 300,000 individual entrepreneurs forestry and fishing 6.9%; information in the affected sectors of the and communication 2.0%; tourist ac- economy; commodation and catering 1.2%; and - Partial payment of salaries to other spheres 20.2%. Net taxes on 300,000 employees in the affect- products and imports amounted to 9.7% ed sectors of the economy; of GDP. - Temporary exemptions from taxes, The pandemic and derived sharp insurance, and customs payments fluctuations in the global energy and in the affected sectors of the stock markets, as well as obligatory economy; lockdowns in the country to protect the - Provision of financial support to health of the population, began affect- vital sections of the passenger ing economic activity, including trade, transportation sector; tourism and construction, from the sec- - Issuance of State guarantees and ond quarter. In order to ensure sustain- subsidised interest rates on bank able development, as well as reduce loans to businesses operating in the negative impact of the pandemic pandemic-affected areas; on the country’s economy and employ- - Subsidisation of part of the inter- ment, the Government adopted and im- est rate on existing bank loans mediately implemented an Action Plan without State guarantees. of preventative and urgent actions. A secretariat of heads of relevant govern- Employment, social welfare support ment agencies and institutions was es- and public health protection tablished under the Cabinet of Ministers - Provision of a lump-sum payment of the Republic of Azerbaijan and nec- equalling the minimum subsis- essary regulatory measures were taken tence rate to people who have accordingly. A support programme esti- lost their jobs, the non-formally mated at about USD 1.47 billion (3.1% of employed and those from low-in- GDP) was drawn up, not only related to come families (600,000 people); anti-crisis measures, but also as a pro- gramme of economic expansion, credit - Creation of 90,000 paid public expansion and stimulation of aggregate jobs; demand. Since it seeks to preserve the - Payment of tuition fees from the social balance and economic develop- State budget for students from ment in the post-pandemic period, the socially vulnerable families; wide-ranging support package adopted - Allocation of funds from the State

Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan 47 THE IMPACT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC AND THE CRISIS ON THE 4 IMPLEMENTATION OF THE 2030 AGENDA

budget to protect the health of the Actions taken on Fiscal Policy population and to meet the needs of citizens for medical masks; In the framework of these measures, - Temporary increase of existing dis- the provision of tax relief and tax hol- count limits on electricity use, etc. idays for entrepreneurs is considered a key priority. Two laws - “On Amend- Other measures: ments to the Tax Code of the Republic - Non-periodic calculation of rents of Azerbaijan” and “On Amendments to on State property and the State the Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan Land Fund; on Social Insurance” were entered into force to reduce the negative impact of - Temporary exemptions from cus- the pandemic on the business environ- toms duties for relevant food and ment in the short and medium term, as medical products necessary for well as to support economic growth the population; during the pandemic. - Continuation of State support The period of tax relief and tax holidays measures and promotion of pri- provided for in the law “On Amend- vate investments in the areas ments to the Tax Code of the Republic identified as the main priorities of of Azerbaijan” covers the period from 1 the State’s economic policy in the January 2020 to 1 January 2021. medium-term, etc.

48 Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan THE IMPACT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC AND THE CRISIS ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE 2030 AGENDA 4

1. All taxpayers engaged in the be- 4. In addition to the above tax exemp- low-listed business activities, which tions, the following relief is provided are directly affected by the pandem- for the affected areas of economic ic, are fully exempt from property and activities described in (1) above: land taxes and from profit tax with re- - 50% exemption (i.e. tax rate reduc- spect to 75% of the profits (income): tion from 14% to 7%) from withhold- - Inland motorway (including taxi) ing tax applied on rental fees paid passenger transportation (inter-ur- to individuals leasing out immov- ban and inter-regional; intra-ur- able property, for those taxpayers ban and intra-district); hotels and engaged in above-listed activities other hotel-type accommodation affected by the pandemic; facilities; - Exemption from making and re- - Travel agency and tourism opera- porting current tax payments for tions; one year, extension of the dead- - Transportation and (or) delivery of line of the tax payments for 2019 goods on order, including meals, until 1 September 2020; food and non-food items from - Extension of the deadline for sellers to buyers; payment of profit (income) and - Catering; property taxes assessed for the - Organization of exhibitions, stage, prior year for those taxpayers not recreation and entertainment considered micro-entrepreneurs (game), cinema, theatre, museum under the temporary tax regime and concert halls; until 1 September of the current year; - Sports and health-care facilities; - Preparatory (education) and pro- - Deferment of assessment of inter- fessional development courses, est on unpaid taxes, compulsory child learning and development state social insurance and unem- centres, children’s clubs, and psy- ployment insurance fees from 1 chology centres. April 2020 to 1 January 2021.

2. Areas, in which the activities were fully 5. For micro-entrepreneurs: or partially restricted as a result of the - 50% exemption on simplified tax; relevant executive authority given to - Tax holiday awarded until 1 Sep- protect the health and safety of the tember 2020 for filing simplified population in connection with the tax returns and profit (income) tax spread of the Coronavirus pandemic. returns, and property tax returns for the first and second quarters of 3. 50% simplified tax exemption for 2020 and for paying the assessed taxpayers engaged in public catering tax to the budget. and passenger transportation are in addition to the above-mentioned 6. The following tax relief was provided property and land tax exemptions. for all entrepreneurs:

Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan 49 THE IMPACT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC AND THE CRISIS ON THE 4 IMPLEMENTATION OF THE 2030 AGENDA

- Deduction of expenditures from 15% in other areas - taking into income, without any limitation, account the differing regional which are incurred by a taxpayer interest rates); on necessary preventive mea- - Calculation of mandatory State sures, including disinfection, in social insurance fees from 1 Jan- order to prevent the epidemic and uary 2021 to 1 January 2026 by protect the life and health of the the amount of minimum monthly population; salary activity (25% in construc- - Exemption from VAT on imports tion and trade, 15% in other areas of certain products (goods) nec- - taking into account the differing essary for the food and medical regional interest rates). needs of the population. 2. Payments of State social insurance fees made with a fixed receipt to re- Actions taken on duce the social insurance burden of Social Insurance taxpayers operating with a fixed receipt and badge, calculations of the social In accordance with the law “On Amend- insurance fees made by taking into ments to the Law of the Republic of account the differing regional interest Azerbaijan on Social Insurance”, dated rates, and administration of compulsory 8 May 2020 the following stipulations state social insurance and procedures were put in place: on social insurance payments simpli- fied. 1. Within the framework of social re- forms in the country, the amount of the 3. Mandatory State social insurance fee minimum monthly salary was set at AZN for each family member of individuals 250 from 1 September, 2019. This sig- using agricultural lands owned by them, nificant change resulted in an increase depending on the area of the land, cal- in the amount of compulsory state culated by the amount of the minimum social insurance fees, calculated from monthly salary: a percentage of the minimum monthly - Up to 5 hectares - 2%; salary on income from non-employment - From 5 to 10 hectares - 6%; activities. Therefore, the calculations on - More than 10 hectares - 10%. mandatory State social insurance fees for insured people receiving an income Furthermore, the law provides for the from activities not related to employ- payment of a compulsory State social ment were provided for as follows: insurance fee by landowners upon - Calculation of mandatory State receipt of the “Receipt on payment of a social insurance fee from 1 April fixed amount of simplified tax and com- 2020 to 1 January 2021, by the pulsory state social insurance fee”. amount of the minimum monthly salary for entrepreneurial activity 4. For members of the Bar Association, (25% in construction and trade, independent auditors and indepen-

50 Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan THE IMPACT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC AND THE CRISIS ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE 2030 AGENDA 4

dent accountants the Law specifies Decision of the Cabinet of Ministers the payment of mandatory State social “On payment of tuition fees for stu- insurance fees in the amount of 10% dents belonging to socially vulnerable of their income after the deduction of groups”, No. 138, dated 13 April 2020. expenses.

As a consequence of the above-men- Actions taken on Social-Welfare tioned provisions, the potential det- rimental effects on the stability of the Pursuant to the Action Plan adopted economy were prevented, economic by the Cabinet of Ministers to reduce development was sustained, the social the negative impact of the pandemic protection of employees working in the on businesses, a portion of the sala- areas of economic activity at risk of be- ries of employees working in the areas ing negatively affected by the COVID-19 affected by the pandemic were paid, pandemic were reinforced, and the risk and financial support was provided to of job losses and low employment lev- individual and micro-entrepreneurs. By els was minimized. 1 January 2021, AZN 82.7 million had been transferred to the bank accounts of 107,303 taxpayers from the funds al- Actions taken on Education located under the financial support pro- gramme for individual (micro) entrepre- Quick action was taken and measures neurs operating in the areas affected put in place to ensure the continua- by the pandemic. In connection with the tion of education during the COVID-19 payment of a certain portion of the sal- pandemic. With the suspension of aries of employees, AZN 206.5 million the teaching and learning process in was transferred to the bank accounts of educational institutions, the Ministry 25,088 taxpayers. of Education launched TV lessons on Azerbaijan State TV Channels for stu- Furthermore, the employment and dents at general education institutions. social welfare of 48% of the country’s From March 2020 to April 2021, a total population (4.8 million people) was of 4,274 TV lessons covering general protected by the implementation of 12 education subjects were broadcast, measures in 4 areas. During this period, which benefited more than 1.6 million the Centralized Electronic Information students across the country. It should System of the Ministry of Labour and be noted that the educational platform Social Protection of Population inves- used in Azerbaijan during the pandemic tigated the numerous terminations of was included in the list presented on employment contracts through the the UNESCO website. “Employment Contract Notification” subsystem, providing recommendations Furthermore, to minimize the impact of to employers, posting notifications the pandemic on education, the tuition in the subsystem and providing daily fees of approximately 21,000 students supervision. were paid off, in accordance with the

Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan 51 THE IMPACT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC AND THE CRISIS ON THE 4 IMPLEMENTATION OF THE 2030 AGENDA

In accordance with the Action Plan, rele- In 2020, 12,000 unemployed and vant activities were carried out to pre- job-seekers benefitted from the vent unjustified dismissals and layoffs of self-employment programme, with public sector employees and to ensure 7,250 involved in agriculture, and employees on leave retained their sal- 3,350 in services and production pro- aries. Thus salaries were protected for grammes. 9,164,000 jobs in the public sector and 7,302,000 jobs in the private sector. Pursuant to the Decision of the Cabinet of Ministers, “On simplification of the As a result of targeted interventions, procedure for providing targeted state the number of labour contracts contin- social assistance to low-income fami- ued to grow, and the total number had lies in the fight against the new strain increased by 31% (400,000 contracts) of Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic” by 29 December 2020 compared to the during the special quarantine period in beginning of 2018 (61% , approximately the Republic of Azerbaijan, the target- 301,000, private, the remainder public). ed state social assistance expiring on 1 March 2020, for certain families, was On the initiative of the President of the extended to 1 July 2020. Republic of Azerbaijan, 38,000 paid public jobs were created to ensure According to the Order of the Cabinet the active employment of those un- of Ministers of the Republic of Azer- employed people with special needs baijan “On extension of the period of for social protection and who found disability of the persons with disabilities securing employment difficult, to sup- in the fight against the new strain of port their entry into the labour market. Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic”, dat- Despite the quarantine imposed during ed 7 April 2020, the period of disability the pandemic, the number of jobs cre- of those persons who’s disability period ated reached 90,000. expired on 1 March 2020, including chil- dren under 18 years of age with disabil- In order to strengthen the social pro- ities, was extended until 1 July 2020 in tection of unemployed people, the territories under the special quarantine lump-sum payment programme, in the regime, and until 11 September 2020 in amount of AZN 190 of the approved regions and cities under the hardened subsistence minimum in the country, special quarantine regime. was extended to cover 600,000 peo- ple, with payments fully secured in Under the special quarantine regime, all April-May 2020. citizens over the age of 65 at high risk of infection during the special quaran- Payments were made in those cities tine regime were instructed to remain where strict quarantine measure had in their homes. In this regard, the Min- been imposed and a total of AZN 450 istry of Labour and Social Protection of million was spent to cover these expen- Population mobilized social workers, to ditures. provides these citizens with daily social services at home (household chores,

52 Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan THE IMPACT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC AND THE CRISIS ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE 2030 AGENDA 4

“New Clinic” hospital for treatment of coronavirus patients. basic necessities, purchase of phar- groups in all regions and cities of the maceuticals, payment of utilities, etc.). country. The Union also provided food These social services were provided to assistance to the families of 30,000 15,000 older and disabled people and children with disabilities. those living alone, in Baku and other regions of the country. Actions taken on Health Issues A total of 100,000 families of older and disabled people, those living alone, In addition to the challenges faced by other vulnerable groups, the bereaved, the economy, social welfare and the and large families or children with dis- environment, the COVID-19 pandemic abilities, were provided with food three put the health-care system under enor- times during the year with the support mous pressure. Urgent measures were of social partners. immediately put in place by the Govern- ment to address the new and mounting The interventions and social projects challenges being faced. of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, which are based on the principles of human- To minimize the impact of the pandemic ism and compassion and goodwill on health, technical and material im- in caring for vulnerable populations provements were made in Coronavirus groups became prominent and wide- detection and laboratory numbers were spreaad during the pandemic. The increased: daily testing capacity of Foundation’s Regional Development 4,050 in March increasing to 15,800 by Public Union provided food assistance January 2021. to citizens living alone and vulnerable

Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan 53 THE IMPACT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC AND THE CRISIS ON THE 4 IMPLEMENTATION OF THE 2030 AGENDA

Furthermore, health-care personnel Moreover, 13 modular hospitals were from abroad arrived in Azerbaijan to built to address the challenges posed provide assistance in overcoming the by the pandemic in the health sector. difficulties created by the COVID-19 The main goal of these modular hospi- pandemic. In March 2021, 115 overseas tals was to efficiently treat those people doctors were involved in the country’s infected with the virus. By June 2020, COVID-19 response. five modular hospitals had been built in the regions - Shaki, Ismayilli, Gabala, A decision was taken by the Govern- Gobustan and Ganja, and eight in Baku, ment to boost the salaries of health- Sumgait and Absheron, with bed stock care workers with special, ‘time-limited’ totalling 3,756 beds. The largest num- payments, in light of the extreme condi- ber of beds (1,729) were in the Modular tions caused by the COVID-19 infection Hospital of the Medical Centre of the in the public and private health-care fa- Ministry of Emergency Situations. cilities. In this regard, the following rules were specified in accordance with the In the post-pandemic period, Azerbai- Law on “Provision of time-limit supple- jan is entering a qualitatively new stage ments to the salaries of health workers and a strategic period covering 2021 involved in actions to fight against the to 2030. The long-term vision for the new strain of Coronavirus (COVID-19) national economy for 2020 and beyond infection”: is to strengthen the competitiveness - Employees carrying out preven- of the Azerbaijani economy, which has tive medical measures – to re- entered a path of sustainable develop- ceive an amount three-times that ment, by creating more value through of the monthly (tariff) salary; multilaterally-beneficial cooperation. - Medical workers providing emer- The goal of finding sources of high gency medical services, as well as economic growth through a new gen- laboratory workers dealing with eration of structural and institutional the inspection of biological mate- reforms, of further strengthening the rial – to receive an amount four- power of the State of Azerbaijan and times that of the monthly official of building a high welfare and inclusive salary; society must be secured in the new strategic period; one characterized by - Employees providing in-patient actively utilising the latest technologies. medical services to patients - to receive an amount five-times that of the monthly (tariff) salary.

54 Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan PROGRESS IN THEMATIC GOALS 5

Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan 55 PROGRESS IN 5 THEMATIC GOALS

GOAL 1 End poverty in all its forms everywhere.

This goal aims to eradicate extreme 1.1.1. Proportion of population below the poverty for all people everywhere, international poverty line, by sex, age, reduce at least by half the proportion of employment status and geographical the population living in poverty in all its location (urban/rural). dimensions according to national defini- The ‘international poverty line’ is cur- tions, implement nationally appropriate rently USD 1.90 a day. The proportion social protection measures for all and of the population living below the inter- achieve the the substantial coverage of national poverty line in the Republic of the poor and the vulnerable by 2030. Azerbaijan has been 0% since 2015.

1.1. By 2030, eradicate extreme poverty 1.2. By 2030, reduce at least by half for all people everywhere, currently the proportion of men, women and measured as people living on less than children of all ages living in poverty in USD 1.25 a day. all its dimensions according to national definitions.

Figure 3. Proportion of population below the national poverty line, by sex, %

7 5,9 6,1 6 5,7 5,6 5,4 5,3 5,2 4,9 5,1 4,9 5 5 4,8 4,7

4

3

2

1

0 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

total population men women

Source: SSC

56 Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan PROGRESS IN THEMATIC GOALS 5

In accordance with the Millennium in the proportion of the population Declaration, Azerbaijan has imple- living below the national poverty line mented comprehensive measures between 2010 and 2019 at the current in the fight against poverty and has pace is considered a positive trend. achieved significant results. Following the implementation of a number of 1.3. Implement nationally appropriate State programmes, including the State social protection systems and mea- programmes on poverty reduction and sures for all, including floors, and by economic development, the poverty 2030 achieve substantial coverage of rate has been significantly reduced, the poor and the vulnerable. the overall well-being of people has 1.3.1. Proportion of population covered been improved, and the social protec- by social protection floors/systems, tion of vulnerable population has been by sex, distinguishing children, unem- strengthened. ployed persons, older persons, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, new- 1.2.1. Proportion of population living borns, work-injury victims and the poor below the national poverty line, by sex and the vulnerable. and age.

The proportion of the country’s popu- The Targeted State Social Assistance lation living below the national poverty (TSSA) programme has been applied line decreased from 4.9% in 2015 to in the country since 2006 as a passive 4.8% in 2019 (4.7% for men, and 5% for social protection measure. As a social women), with 4.5% in urban areas and protection tool, the TSSA seeks to 5.2% in rural areas. Overall, the decline meet the minimum financial needs of

Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan 57 PROGRESS IN 5 THEMATIC GOALS

the poor and low-income segments of the average monthly amount of TSA per the population. This social programme family was AZN 240, and the average plays a special role in improving the monthly amount per person was AZN welfare of this group of families, and in 57.2. 53.3% (or 171,796 people) of family solving their social and financial prob- members receiving TSSA are women, lems. The purpose of the TSSA is to 46.7% (or 150,282 people) are men, provide financial assistance to low-in- 54% (or 173,763 people) are children un- come families in accordance with their der 18 years of age. income with a view to improving their social welfare. The amount of assis- A number of amendments were made tance is calculated as the difference to the Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan between the average monthly income on Targeted State Social Assistance of the family and the sum of the needs in 2020 with a view to facilitating the criterion for each family member. The shift from unsustainable passive social level of the needs criterion for 2020 security measures to sustainable active was set at AZN 160, and the subsis- labour market measures by providing tence minimum in the country was set support to people from low-income at AZN 190. In 2021, these figures were families to create and develop their set at AZN 170 and AZN 196, respec- own businesses in line with their capac- tively. Over the past period, the needs ities or to increase their income through criterion and the subsistence minimum self-employment. in the country have been steadily in- creased. Compared to 2006, the needs In 2020, the State Social Protection criterion in 2020 has increased by 5.3 Fund paid social benefits to a total of times, and the subsistence minimum in 488,000 people or 5.1% of the popu- the country has increased by 3.3 times. lation (398,000 people or 4.1% of the population received monthly benefits, In 2020, 76,827 families with 322,078 while 90,000 people or 0.9% received family members received TSSA. Thus, a lump-sum allowance), and the presi-

Table 1: Disaggregation of recipients of social benefits in 2020 Number Proportion (%) Number of recipients of social benefits 525,500 100 Number of recipients of disability pension 176,183 33.5 Number of children with disabilities under the 50,964 9.7 age of 18 receiving disability pension Number of recipients of old-age pension 96,996 18.5 Number of recipients of childbirth allowance 117,059 22.3 Number of recipients of funeral allowance 4,469 0.9

Source: Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Population

58 Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan PROGRESS IN THEMATIC GOALS 5

dental benefits were paid to 276,000 parental care from AZN 61 to AZN 100; people or 2.9% of the population. In allowance for children of active-duty total, 83,700 people were entitled, military servicement from AZN 68 to through an electronic system, to re- AZN 100; allowance for women with ceive social benefits. 54.7% (or 214,400 more than five children from AZN 33 to people) of those receiving monthly so- AZN 55 per child; childbirth allowance cial benefits were women, while 45.3% from AZN 109 to AZN 200; and funeral (or 177,400 people) were men. Social allowance from AZN 146 to AZN 300. benefits are awarded to those who are In addition, the amounts of presidental not entitled to a retirement pension, benefits have been increased for some and are intended to meet a minimum categories of people, and a number of standard of living or to meet their spe- new pensions have been established. cific needs in a certain area. With the aim of stimulating the adoption of children deprived of parental care, a In accordance with the “Program of new type of monthly social allowance social protection and rehabilitation of (allowance for an adopted child, and persons with disabilities”, and with a allowance for an adopted child under view to improving the living conditions 18 years of age with disabilities) was es- of citizens, 2,783 vulnerable people in tablished by the relevant decrees of the 2019, and 4,943 vulnerable people in President of the Republic of Azerbai- 2020 were provided with lump sum jan dated October 6, 2020. A monthly financial assistance. allowance of AZN 160 was determined for each adopted child aged 3 to 18 In order to strengthen the social pro- deprived of parental care, and AZN 480 tection of the population, the amounts per month for each adopted child with of social benefits assigned to many disabilities. categories of the population have been significantly increased since 1 April Unemployment benefit and 2019 by the decrees and orders of the unemployment insurance4 President of the Republic of Azerbai- Calculations show that the number of jan, dated April 15, 2019. Specifically, unemployed people registered by the the old-age pension was increased local offices of the State Employment from AZN 73 to AZN 130; the disability Agency increased by 52,395 people pension from AZN 82 to AZN 150 for (32,897 men, 19,498 women) between a level I disability, from AZN 61 to AZN 2015 and 2019. The number of recip- 130 for a level II disability, and from AZN ients of the unemployment insurance 52 to AZN 110 for a level III disability; payment had decreased by 1,003 to and the disability pension for children 540 people by the end of 2019 (52.4% under the age of 18 from AZN 82 to men and 47.6% women). By the begin- AZN 150. The allowance for the loss of ning of 2020, of the 81,272 unemployed the family head from AZN 68 to AZN people registered by the local offices of 80; allowance for guardians (caretakers) the State Employment Agency, 62.3% of orphans and children deprived of were men and 37.7% were women.

4 Unemployment benefit was provided in 2015-2017, and under the new legislation, unemployment insurance has been awarded since 2018 . Data for 2015-2017 reflects the number of people registered as unemployed by the offices of the State Employment Service. Data for 2010-2017 reflects the number of recipients of unemployment benefit. 59 To calculate the proportion of the recipients of the unemployment insurance payment, the number of recipients is divided by the total number of the unemployed registered with the local offices of the State Employment Agency and multiplied by 100. PROGRESS IN 5 THEMATIC GOALS

25 Figure 4. Proportion of unemployed receiving unemployment insurance payment, by sex, %

20 19,38

15,92 15

10

6,13 6,06 6,0 4,93 5,3 5 4,09

0,56 0,84 0 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 men women

Source: SSC When the number of recipients of the tection, the Central Bank of the Repub- unemployment insurance payment are lic of Azerbaijan and the Azerbaijan disaggregated by age, in 2019 only Banks Association signed a Memoran- 7.8% (42 people) were aged 15-29 dum of Understanding. Activities are years old, while 92.2% (498 people) now being implemented by 21 banks to were aged 30 and above. When dis- promote self-employment. aggregated by economic region, the highest proportion of recipients of the In accordance with the Resolution of unemployment insurance payment in the Cabinet of Ministers No. 330 of 2019 was found in Baku (1.25%). December 30, 2012 on the approval of the “Rules for the award of public 1.4. By 2030, ensure that all men and contracts in the field of social services women, in particular the poor and the to municipalities, individuals and legal vulnerable, have equal rights to eco- entities, including non-governmen- nomic resources, as well as access to tal organizations”, in 2019 224 social basic services, ownership and control service projects were implemented by over land and other forms of property, 73 non-governmental organizations, inheritance, natural resources, appro- benefitting approximately 9,000 peo- priate new technology and financial ple. The services provided related to services, including microfinance. ensuring accessibility of social services for vulnerable children and families, With the aim of supporting the initiative providing equal opportunities for chil- of the President of the Republic of Azer- dren with disabilities and ensuring their baijan on sharing social responsibility, social and psychological rehabilitation through the provision of support by and social inclusion. In 2020, 132 social national banks to facilitate the self-em- service projects were implemented by ployment of the vulnerable population, 57 non-governmental organizations and the Ministry of Labour and Social Pro- 14,021 people benefited from the ser- vices provided.

60 Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan PROGRESS IN THEMATIC GOALS 5

Also, under the order of the President of According to the administrative data of the Republic of Azerbaijan “On addition- the Ministry of Emergency Situations, al measures to improve the social and the number of deaths, missing persons living conditions of persons with disabil- and people directly affected by disas- ities and martyrs’ families associated ters, per 100,000 population, increased with the protection of the territorial in- from 13.9 in 2015 to 24.6 in 2016, but tegrity, independence and constitutional decreased in subsequent years. In order of the Republic of Azerbaijan”, 2019, the number of deaths, missing housing was provided for 934 martyrs’ persons and people directly affected by families and persons with disabilities in disasters, per 100,000 population, fell 2019, and 1,571 (of which 68 were pro- to its lowest level in four years. vided by a social partner) in 2020. Addi- tionally, in accordance with the Cabinet 1.5.3 Number of countries with national of Ministers resolution regarding the and local disaster risk reduction strate- provision of automobiles and motorized gies. wheelchairs to persons with disabilities The United Nations Office for Disaster with the medical entitlement for a spe- Risk Reduction recommends the es- cific vehicle, 600 people were given tablishment of a coordination group to cars in 2019 and 400 in 2020. implement a National Strategy to sys- tematize all data relating to the Sendai 1.5 By 2030, build the resilience of the Framework Monitoring Platform. The poor and those in vulnerable situations relevant government agencies in Azer- and reduce their exposure and vul- baijan are currently setting up a Nation- nerability to climate-related extreme al Strategy Coordination Group which events and other economic, social and will compile the necessary information environmental shocks and disasters. for the national strategy. 1.5.1 Number of deaths, missing per- sons and persons affected by disaster, per 100,000 people.

Figure 5. The number of deaths, missing persons and people directly affected by disasters, per 100,000 population

30 24,6 25 22,6 22,0

20 17,1 13,9 15

10

5

0 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Source: SSC

Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan 61 PROGRESS IN 5 THEMATIC GOALS

1.a. Ensure significant mobilization of work, developing relevant standards resources from a variety of sources, and norms, strengthening the logistical including through enhanced develop- capacity and expanding the network of ment cooperation, in order to provide social service institutions, and applying adequate and predictable means for international experience and innovative developing countries, in particular technologies. least developed countries, to imple- ment programmes and policies to end 1.a.2. Proportion of total government poverty in all its dimensions. spending on essential services (educa- With a view to ensuring the social ser- tion, health and social protection). vice system in Azerbaijan meets the re- Compared to 2015, the proportion of quirements of the vulnerable population expenditures on essential services in of the country to the maximum extent, total government spending decreased the Ministry of Labour and Social Pro- by 1.54% in 2019 to 21.91%. Neverthe- tection drafted the 2021-2027 National less, the volume of essential services Strategy for the Development of Social increased by 1.28 times in value terms Services in the Republic of Azerbaijan. during that period. Expenditures on ed- The Strategy defines the national poli- ucation increased from AZE 1.6 billion cy for building a social service system to AZE 2.2 billion health care expendi- through the implementation of activ- tures increased from AZN 708.2 million ities such as improving the quality of to AZN 873.6 million, and social protec- social services available for vulnerable tion and social security expenditures groups, strengthening human resourc- increased from AZN 1.85 billion to AZN es, improving the existing legal frame- 2.3 billion.

Figure 6. Proportion of total government spending on essential services, % 35,00

30,00 28,74 27,27

25,00 23,23 23,45 22,00 22,41 21,91 21,15 21,23 19,88 20,00

14,90 15,00 13,36

10,16 10,54 10,44 9,54 9,71 9,14 9,46 9,34 10,00 10,04 9,88 9,90 9,03 8,99 8,24 8,34 8,31 8,65 5,00 7,51

3,98 3,96 4,01 3,65 3,20 3,50 3,23 3,56 3,12 3,58 0,00 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Total spending Social protection and social secutiry Education Healthcare

Source: SSC

62 Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan PROGRESS IN THEMATIC GOALS 5

Goal 2 End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture.

The activities taken under SDG 2 aim to 100,000 families with food packages end hunger and ensure that everyone three times. has access to safe and adequate food, and address important issues related to During the COVID-19 pandemic, the stunting in children under five years of State Committee for Affairs of Refugees age. To respond to this challenge the and IDPs (SCARI) provided food aid to target is to double the incomes of small low-income families with the support of food producers, especially women, local and international organizations. family farms and farmers, by providing Under the Memorandum of Under- equal access to land, other productive standing signed between the SCARI resources, relevant knowledge and and the Korea International Cooper- financial services, through which to ation Agency (KOICA) in April 2020, increase agricultural productivity and packages of various food and medi- food prices in food markets. This can be cal products were distributed to IDPs achieved by providing timely access to settled in Baku, the elderly living alone information on food stocks in order to aged above 65, and families of martyrs. limit sharp fluctuations. Moreover, the Council for State Support 2.1. By 2030, end hunger and ensure to Non-Governmental Organizations access by all people, in particular the provided funding for several projects poor and people in vulnerable situa- aimed at distributing social aid packag- tions, including infants, to safe, nutri- es to low-income families to combat the tious and sufficient food all year round. affects of the pandemic. With the aim of improving the financial situation of vulnerable people, families Investment in agriculture of martyrs and people with disabilities, and access to credit the Ministry of Labour and Social Pro- Investment in the agricultural sector tection of Population (MLSPP), in part- more than doubled during 2015-2019, nership with social partners, provided including 65.4% from the public sector and about 3.0 times from non-public

Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan 63 PROGRESS IN 5 THEMATIC GOALS

Figure 7. Investment in agriculture, million AZN 764,4 769,5

617,8

403,8 411,3 355,5 325,1 324,1 360,6 358,2 216,6 293,7 253,1

138,9 72 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Non-public Public Total

sources. A particularly positive point is compared to 2015, in 2019 it increased that since 2018, the investment from by over 6.9%. non-public sources in the agricultural sector has surpassed that of the public The proportion of farmers using credits sector. also decreased significantly in 2016- 2017, in line with the general trend in While credit investment in agricul- credit investment, and began to in- ture and the manufacturing industry crease again in 2018. decreased significantly in 2016-2017

Figure 8: Proportion of agricultural holdings availed of credit

18% 600 543 16% 508 470 500 14% 441 429

12% 400

10% 16% 300 8% 15% 6% 11% 200 8% 4% 7% 100 2%

0% 0 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Share of households using credit Credit investment in agriculture and processing, mln.manat (AZN) Source: 1 Central Bank of the Republic of Azerbaijan: The credit investment in agriculture and manufacturing industry, 2019 statistical bulletin 2. Proportion of agricultural holdings availed of credit - Farm Data Monitoring System (FDMS) of the Ministry of Agriculture, 2015-2019

64 Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan PROGRESS IN THEMATIC GOALS 5

State support have been receiving subsidies since The state support system is an acceler- January, 2020. ator for the development of agriculture. Therefore, in addition to the annual Under the new mechanism, product increase in the amount of state support subsidies are grouped into three cate- for agriculture in Azerbaijan, special gories: cultivation, crop and seed sub- attention has been given to improving sidies. In the field of crop production, support mechanisms used. In this re- subsidies for fuel and motor oils, wheat gard, the Government is focusing its and rice cultivation, together with sub- progammes on farmers who are in- sidies for purchasing mineral fertilizers, volved in ensuring the food security of biohumus and pesticides at a discount- the country, thereby ensuring an unin- ed price, have all been combined under terrupted food supply for the population. the cultivation subsidy. As provided for in the Decree, the Agrarian Subsidy The Decree “On the establishment of Council was established to bring the a new subsidy mechanism in the agri- subsidy mechanism in line with the cultural sector” signed by the President goals of agricultural development. The of the Republic of Azerbaijan on June Council determines the regional spe- 27, 2019, establishes a new mechanism cialization based on the base amount for support measures in the agricultural of AZN 200, the application of modern sector. These measures ensure ac- irrigation technology, the coefficients countability, transparency and the effi- to be applied for subsidies to the crop cient use of budget funds in the sector, production sector, and seed quotas, and simplify and digitize the application taking into account the promotion of process. In this connection, farmers high-yield and high value-added crops.

Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan 65 PROGRESS IN 5 THEMATIC GOALS

The established coefficients ensure that The following subsidies are provided a certain amount of the farmers’ ex- for the livestock sector: penses are covered by the State, while - Animal subsidies in the amount also stimulating the development of of AZN 100 for each healthy calf specific areas through the State subsi- born through artificial insemina- dy mechanism. To promote the more tion; efficient use of land resources, agricul- tural cooperatives receive cultivation - Apiculture subsidies in the amount subsidies to support their activities, with of AZN10 AZN per calendar year cooperatives responsible for land of for each bee colony kept by farm- more than 50 hectares receiving a 10% ers; increase in subsidy. 25% percent of the - Sericulture subsidies in the amount cultivation subsidy is provided in cash, of AZN 5 for each kilogram of fresh with the remainder used to purchase silkworm cocoon (excluding spun agricultural inputs. and karapacha cocoons) provided to to the supplier. In addition to cultivation subsidies, From 2020, the provision of subsi- there are also product and seed subsi- dies to farmers for crop and livestock dies in the crop production sector. The production will be managed through product subsidy is paid to farmers in ad- the Electronic Agricultural Information dition to the cultivation subsidy for each System (EAIS), in accordance with the kilogram of crop product provided to “Rules for subsidizing agricultural pro- suppliers. Plant species and coefficients duction” (Decree of the President of the to which product subsidies are applied Republic of Azerbaijan No. 759 dated are determined by the Board. Product June 27, 2019). In addition to the farmer subsidies are currently provided for registration subsystem, the EAIS is in cotton, tobacco and sugar beet pro- the process of incorporating the sub- duction. Seed subsidies are provided systems for subsidy, supplier, veterinary to seed farmers in accordance with the monitoring, agrarian analytics, seed/ quotas set by the Council for the sale of sapling, phytosanitary control, agrarian certified (1st and 2nd replication) seeds equipment, laboratory, agrarian trade, and saplings. agrarian credit, and agrarian insurance.

In addition, in order to grant lump sum Direct Subsidies support to agricultural producers for re- In 2020, AZN 233 million in cultivation peated corn cultivation, subsidies were subsidies was allocated to farmers: AZN provided from the Ministry of Agricul- 29.5 million AZN for cotton production, ture from the Reserve Fund envisaged AZN 1.2 million for tobacco and sugar in the 2020 state budget. The Council beet production, and AZN 16 million for also determined that, in 2021, subsi- animal production (including AZN 8.8 dies will be paid for soybeans, millet, million for artificial insemination, AZN sorghum, sunflower and potatoes, in 2.2 million for sericulture) and AZN 5 addition to corn. million for apiculture.

66 Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan PROGRESS IN THEMATIC GOALS 5

In order to grant lump sum support to head of small cattle) breeding animals agricultural producers for the seed sup- to farmers and businesses. In 2019, ply for repeated corn cultivation, AZN AZN 9.9 million was allocated for the 60 subsidy was provided to producers purchase of 4,523 heads of breeding per hectare of repeated corn cultiva- animals, in the form of credits and tion through AZN 2.2 millon budget discounts. allocated to the Ministry of Agriculture from the Reserve Fund envisaged in the Agricultural credits 2020 state budget. In 2020, the Agrarian Credit and De- velopment Agency provided soft loans The Agrarian Credit and Development in the amount of AZN 47.6 million (AZN Agency under the Ministry of Agri- 13.2 million for medium and large ag- culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan ricultural loans, AZN 34.4 million for continued to fund the sale and leasing microcredits), and AZN 37.3 million for of soft loans, as well as for agricultural machinery and equipment loan). A total inputs, on preferential terms through of 5,515 people (5,330 individuals and authorized credit organizations. 185 legal entities) benefited from these loans. In 2019, a total of 1,730 people Logistics (1,606 individuals, 124 legal entities) re- The Agrarian Credit and Development ceived soft loans in the amount of AZN Agency funded the leasing and sale of 53.4 million. 7,259 units of agricultural machinery in 2020 (compared to 4,117 units in 2019) In addition, a number of measures have on preferential terms: 39 grain harvest- been taken to provide financial resourc- ers, 1,102 tractors, and 6,118 other types es to farmers. Within the framework of of machinery. the Agricultural Competitiveness Im- provement Project, jointly implemented Based on the 2,993 applications for by the Government of the Republic of support received, for the sale and leas- Azerbaijan and the World Bank, in 2020, ing of agricultural machinery, technolog- a total of 30 sub-borrowers were provid- ical equipment, and irrigation systems ed with agricultural loans on preferential on preferential terms, credits amounting terms in the amount of AZN 6.7 million to AZN 37.3 million were issued and and 392 new jobs were created. One AZN 73.6 million was allocated through of the innovative activities of the project authorized credit organizations. regarding the creation of agribusiness value chains, continued in 2020 with the Breeding animals provision of grant funds in the amount of In 2020, the Agrarian Credit and AZN 1.92 million (USD 1.13 million). Development Agency received 423 applications for support and, accord- Other support measures - ingly, provided subsidies in the amount extension services of AZN 16.8 million for the purchase Given the importance of increasing of 8,758 (5,074 head of cattle, 3,684 the knowledge and skills of farmers

Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan 67 PROGRESS IN 5 THEMATIC GOALS

and producers working in the agricul- The Ministry of Agriculture has pre- tural sector, 1,262 training sessions pared the “2021-2024 Sectoral Stra- for 22,750 farmers were conducted in tegic Plan on the agricultural section 2019. The Center for Agrarian Science of the state budget of the Republic of and Innovation, Regional Agrarian Sci- Azerbaijan.” The purpose of the Sec- ence and Innovation Centers, Azerbai- toral Strategic Plan is to ensure food jan State Agrarian University, Agrarian security through the efficient use of Services Agency and Agrarian Credit existing natural economic resources in and Development Agency, coordinat- the country, to meet the needs of the ed the training, which involved 590 industrial sector for raw materials and trainers from research institutes across the needs of the population for food Azerbaijan. In 2020, 207 training ses- products through local production, and sions on 66 topics were conducted in to achieve increased agricultural pro- 60 districts of Azerbaijan; 155 trainers duction and employment in the regions were involved and 1,547 farmers partic- in order to increase the export of ag- ipated. ricultural products. The Plan also ad- dresses the “Environmental protection, Training sessions were also conducted sustainable use of natural resources by the “Agrarian Supply and Procure- and management of the impact of cli- ment” Open Joint-Stock Company on mate changes on agriculture” and aims the preparation, storage and packaging to implement the following measures in of products for export, for farmers pro- this regard: ducing pears, pomegranates, tomatoes - Create mechanisms to mitigate and grapes in the Khachmaz, Kurdamir the adverse impact of climate and Shamakhi regions of the country. change and other natural phe- Farmers were taught about the poten- nomena on agriculture; tial export markets for these products, - Improve the mechanisms to mit- the logistics channels to enable access igate the adverse impact of agri- to these markets, and the certificates culture on the environment; for export and customs clearance. - Improve the mechanisms to en- 2.5 By 2020, maintain the genetic sure the sustainable use of agricul- diversity of seeds, cultivated plants tural lands and water resources; and farmed and domesticated animals - Develop environmentally sound and their related wild species, includ- agricultural production. ing through soundly managed and diversified seed and plant banks at Together with these strategic activities, the national, regional and internation- the Plan envisages the implementa- al levels, and promote access to and tion of measures such as “Improving fair and equitable sharing of benefits the system of human resource man- arising from the utilization of genetic agement and training” and “Improving resources and associated traditional the system of science, education and knowledge, as internationally agreed. extension services in agriculture”.

68 Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan PROGRESS IN THEMATIC GOALS 5

2.a. Increase investment, including the final stage of the competition and through enhanced international coop- the top three winning teams receiving eration, in rural infrastructure, agricul- valuable prizes. tural research and extension services, technology development and plant and In 2020 certification was received by livestock gene banks in order to en- enterprises and seed farms included hance agricultural productive capacity in the Agrarian Science and Innovation in developing countries, in particular Centre for the following seed supplies: least developed countries. 43.8 tons of standard seed (wheat, In 2020, the Center for Agrarian Sci- barley, peas, lentils, rice, vegetables, ence and Innovation of the Ministry of melons and fodder crops); 191.29 tons Agriculture of the Republic of Azerbai- of pre-basic seed (wheat, barley, cot- jan began to apply innovative technol- ton, peas, corn, rice, melons, potatoes ogies, and modern breeding and bio- and fodder crops); 2,413 tons of basic technological research methods in the seed (wheat, barley, cotton, peas, corn, field of crop production and livestock rice, potatoes, vegetables and fodder production, throughout its associated crops); 94,634 tons of R1 and R2 wheat scientific institutions. and barley seed; 805.5 tons of corn seed; 40 tons of pea seed; 13,726 tons A smart garden system, providing auto- of potato seed; 206.41 tons of alfalfa mated subsoil irrigation and fertilization, seed; 12.01 tons of vegetable and mel- has been installed in the innovative on seed; 190 tons of R1 and R2 fibrous orchard on the 15-hectare territory of cotton seed; 1,552,000 units of tea; and the Fruit and Tea Growing Research 513,741 fruit saplings. Institute of the Agrarian Science and Innovation Center. The system will save 2.a.1. The agriculture orientation index both water and fertilizer and will be for government expenditures. more effective because it directly af- The index allocations to agriculture in fects the root of the plant. Agro-techni- the structure of state expenditures in cal maintenance is controlled remotely 2019-2020 was less than 1 and varied by telephone or computer. Furthermore, between 0.49 and 0.60. This implies the subartesian well drilled as a water that the contribution of the agricultural source will be powered by solar panels. sector to the economy is higher than the share of allocations made to agri- The AgroHackathon 2020 startup com- culture in State expenditures. petition was held at the Vegetable Pro- duction Research Institute of the Agrari- The volume of value added in agri- an Science and Innovation Center. More culture, forestry, fisheries and hunting than 50 teams representing the coun- increased from AZN 3.4 billion in 2015 try’s leading universities applied for the to AZN 4.7 billion in 2019 and AZN 5 bil- competition, with 15 teams representing lion in 2020. In 2019, the value added 11 different universities participating in created in agriculture, forestry, fisheries

Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan 69 PROGRESS IN 5 THEMATIC GOALS

Figure 9. Index of allocations to agriculture in the structure of state expenditures

0,7

0,6 0,6 0,58 0,6

0,49 0,49 0,5 0,5

0,4

0,3

0,2

0,1

0 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

Source: Ministry of Agriculture

and hunting increased by 7.3% com- the market, and to provide the popula- pared to the preceding year. In 2020, tion with quality agricultural products although unfavourable climatic condi- at cheaper rates compared to market tions led to a slowdown in growth, the prices. Prices for some products were total value added created in agriculture 20-30% lower than in other markets. increased by 1.9% compared to 2019. Overall, the value added created in the In 2015, within the framework of a agricultural sector increased by 19.2% in project jointly implemented by the real terms during 2016-2020. Ministry of Agriculture and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) a 2.c. Adopt measures to ensure the price information portal for agricultural proper functioning of food commodity products was created, which was later markets and their derivatives and facili- improved by the Ministry to create an tate timely access to market informa- Agricultural Electronic Price Information tion, including on food reserves, in Portal (www.aqrarbazar.az). The Portal order to help limit extreme food price contains the following price information: volatility. - Prices for the field sale, wholesale, During 2020, the Agrariant Supply and retail sale and supply by process- Procurement OJSC organized fairs in ing enterprises of fruits, vegeta- Yasamal, Binagadi, Narimanov, Surakhani bles, potatoes and melons; districts of Baku and Khirdalan city on - Retail prices for livestock products the last day of every week on national (meat, milk, egg, honey); holidays. The main purpose of the fairs - Prices for purchase by milk collec- was to prevent artificial price increases tion points; by intervening in the market, to facilitate - Sales and wholesale prices of the access of agricultural producers to meat in live weight;

70 Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan PROGRESS IN THEMATIC GOALS 5

- Sale prices for wool and hides by providing the country’s population with the population or slaughterhous- the required amount and quality of food es; on an uninterrupted basis. - Field sales of cereals during the Activities have been implemented in crop season and wholesale prices three areas with a view to ensuring after the crop season; food security: - Prices for procurement by supply 1. To increase the level of self-suf- enterprises of industrial plants and ficiency in food products, State other crops used as industrial raw support measures are being put materials; in place to help entrepreneurs - Retail prices of agricultural inputs increase local production, such (fodder, fertilizer, breeding ani- as subsidies, soft loans, tax and mals). customs privileges, awareness Prices for all types of crops are collected raising, training, etc. on a daily, weekly and monthly basis, 2. The Food Safety Agency of the depending on the product, taking into Republic of Azerbaijan is now account low, medium and high levels. responsible for controlling the minimum quality and safety of Food security food products. Ensuring food security in the Republic of 3. To ensure the availability of qual- Azerbaijan is a key element of State poli- ity food products for all segments cy. Activities in this area have thus been of the population, appropriate expanded and measures taken aimed at measures are being taken by

Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan 71 PROGRESS IN 5 THEMATIC GOALS

agencies responsible for imple- by the State Grain Fund, the begin- menting the State social policy. ning of the wheat harvest season in The “subsistence minimum”, the country is announced in the local based on the minimum consumer media every year, and all information basket, is approved, and is also is posted on the Ministry’s official web- taken into account when deter- site. The announcement provides the mining pensions, allowances and names, addresses and contact numbers social benefits. Moreover, the of grain collection points covering all Ministry of Economy conducts grain-growing regions of the country. If monitoring activities to prevent there is a shortfall in the supply of high monopolies, restriction of com- quality local food wheat, the State food petition, distribution of markets, wheat reserves are made up through the application of agreed prices, imports, in accordance with the legis- which contributes to the increase lation. Work is currently underway to of food prices in the consumer import high quality wheat for storage in market, and takes measures in the Ministry’s Sangachal Grain Elevator. line with the anti-monopoly leg- islation against the manipulation In order to bring new technical regula- of prices, price discrimination and tions in line with international practic- dumping. es in the field of food safety, ten draft In addition, the resources of the State regulatory acts were developed by the Grain Fund, established under the Min- Codex Alimentarius National Commis- istry of Emergency Situations, are used sion in coordination with relevant state to prevent shortages of flour and bak- bodies and are included in the State ery products in the consumer market. Register of Legal Acts of the Ministry of To ensure the demand of the country’s Justice. The regulatory acts will ensure population for grain and flour prod- a higher level of human health protec- ucts can be met, two elevator facilities tion and the safety and minimum quality equipped with state-of-art devices and of food and feed products. equipment, with a capacity of 100,000 tons and 60,000 tons were built and The inspections, monitoring, and inves- commissioned in the Sangachal settle- tigations into poisoning incidents, certi- ment of Garadagh district and Ganja fication, analysis of import-export oper- city, respectively. The construction of ations and analysis of laboratory tests another elevator complex with a capac- carried out in 2019 and 2020 revealed ity of 100,000 tons in the Sangachal the key problems related to food safety, settlement is underway. With the com- animal and plant health in the country. missioning of this complex, the total ca- In response to the identified problems, pacity of the elevator facilities will reach nine risk profiles were developed for 260,000 tons. food safety, animal health and plant health, and scientific risk assessments With the aim of ensuring that state food carried out for each. wheat reserves are met, as determined

72 Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan PROGRESS IN THEMATIC GOALS 5

Land plots were selected for the con- ment of national capacity to conduct struction of modern (stationary, modu- disease surveillance including veterinary lar and mobile) slaughterhouses in the diagnostics”, in 2020 an international regions and in Baku city, to promote the expert interviewed field veterinarians establishment of slaughterhouses in and farmers, and conducted serological compliance with veterinary-sanitary and monitoring of plague in animals in Bilas- sanitary-hygienic requirements, together uvar, Jalilabad and Lerik districts. Based with the establishment of coordination on the results, a draft document on the mechanisms between the relevant cen- establishment of a plague-free zone has tral and local executive authorities. As been prepared for the World Organiza- part of the FAO Partnership and Liaison tion for Animal Health. Office in Azerbaijan project,“Improve-

Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan 73 PROGRESS IN 5 THEMATIC GOALS

Goal 3 Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.

The goal is aimed at reducing the ma- traffic accidents, and substantially -re ternal mortality ratio to less than 70 per duce the number of deaths and illness- 100,000 live births, the neonatal mor- es resulting from hazardous chemicals tality to at least as low as 12 per 1,000 and air, water and soil pollution and live births, and the under-5 mortality contamination. to at least as low as 25 per 1,000 live births. It also aims to end the epidem- 3.1. By 2030, reduce the global mater- ics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and nal mortality ratio to less than 70 per neglected tropical diseases and com- 100,000 live births. bating infections and non-communica- 3.1.1 Maternal mortality ratio. ble diseases. It further aims to prevent narcotic drug abuse and the harmful Although the maternal mortality ratio use of alcohol, halve the number of in Azerbaijan increased by 0.5 points global deaths and injuries from road between 2015 and 2019, stabilizing at 14.9, the overall number of mothers who Figure 10. Maternal mortality ratio, per 100,000 live birth

16

14,9 15 14,6 14,4

14 13,8

13 12,2 12

11

10 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Source: SSC

74 Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan PROGRESS IN THEMATIC GOALS 5

Figure 11. The share of births attended by skilled health personnel, % 100,0

99,9 99,9 99,9

99,8 99,8 99,8 99,8

99,7 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Source: SSC died during pregnancy, childbirth and years are performed under medical pastpartum period fell from 24 in 2015 supervision. Specifically, the share of to 21 in 2019. The number of mater- births attended by skilled health per- nal deaths in 2019, disaggregated by sonnel to undertake the necessary economic regions, was one in the Na- control, provision of services and coun- khchivan Autonomous Republic, eight seling during pregnancy, as well as in Baku, one in Absheron economic during childbirth and the postpartum region, two in Ganja-Gazakh economic period, independent delivery and care region, four in Lankaran economic re- of newborns, increased from 99.8% in gion, one in Guba-Khachmaz econom- 2015 to 99.9% in 2019. ic region, and four in Aran economic region. No maternal deaths were re- 3.2. By 2030, end preventable deaths ported in Sheki-Zagatala, Upper Kara- of newborns and children under 5 bakh, Kalbajar-Lachin, and Mountainous years of age, with all countries aiming Shirvan economic regions. Compared to reduce neonatal mortality to at least to 2015, the maternal mortality ratio de- as low as 12 per 1,000 live births and creased from 23.5 to 15.2 in rural areas, under-5 mortality to at least as low as and increased from 4.9 to 14.6 in urban 25 per 1,000 live births. areas in 2019. Overall, the maternal The Child and Family Support Centers in mortality rate was higher in rural areas Aghdam, Shuvalan, Sabirabad, Ismayilli, than in urban areas. In 2019, the num- Goygol, Hajigabul, Zardab and Saatli, ber of maternal deaths was 10 in urban which form part of the State Commit- areas and 11 in rural areas. tee for Family, Women and Children’s Affairs, conducted a series of activities 3.1.2 Proportion of births attended by in order to raise awareness on health skilled health personnel. and disease issues, in order to ensure Almost all births in Azerbaijan in recent the coverage of children in dispanser-

Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan 75 PROGRESS IN 5 THEMATIC GOALS

Under-5 mortality rate, per 1.000 live births, disaggregated by sex

18

15,4 15,3 16 14,8 14,7 14,3 13,8 13,7 14 13,3 13,1 13,0 11,8 11,9 11,9 11,7 12 10,9 10

8

6

4

2

0 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Total Boys Girls

Source: SSC

ization (health screening) services. The showed a decrease among girls (from activities, which involved a total of 457 11.8 to 10.9) in the same period. The to- people, included the distribution of 120 tal number of deaths of children under leaflets and the provision of education five increased by 10 in 2019 compared information (via WhatsApp) to 66 people. to 2018 to reach 1,835, (1,113 boys and 722 girls). Thus, the yearly number of 3.2.1 Under-five mortality rate. deaths among children under five is 35.1% lower for girls than for boys. The In the last five years, the under-five number of deaths of children under five mortality rate has decreased, falling was 7.6 per 1,000 in rural areas and 18.7 from 13.3 per 1,000 live births in 2015 per 1,000 in urban areas. The majority to 13.0 in 2019. While the mortality rate of children (84.9%) died before reach- increased slightly among boys (from ing their first birthday, while 15.1% died 14.7 to 14.8 per 1,000 live births), it between the ages of one and five.

Neonatal mortality rate, per 1000 live births

8 6,9 7 6,6 6,5 5,9 6 5,5

5 5,4 5,3 5,3 5,2 4 4,5

3

2 1,5 1,3 1,3 1,0 1 0,6

0 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Total neonatal deaths Early neonatal death Late neonatal death

Source: SSC

76 Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan PROGRESS IN THEMATIC GOALS 5

3.2.2 Neonataal mortality rate. In 2019, 686 new HIV infections were Although the neonatal mortality rate in registered (447 male and 239 female). Azerbaijan fluctuated between 2015 Compared to 2015, the number of new and 2019, the overall indicator increase HIV infections per 1,000 population fell was 1.0 points (between 2015-2019) during 2015-2018 to 0.06, but increased to reach 6.9. Early neonatal mortality to 0.07 again in 2019. Although the during the first seven days of life was number of new HIV infections per 1,000 higher than late neonatal mortality population did not change in 2019 com- during the first 7-28 days of life. In the pared to 2015 for women, there was a same period, the neonatal mortality rate slight decrease for men. for boys increased from 7.0 to 8.3, for girls from 4.6 to 5.2, and for all years While there was no significant change in the neonatal mortality rate for boys was the overall number of new HIV infections higher than for girls. per 1,000 population, there was still an increase in the absolute number of new HIV infections. By the end of 2019, the 3.3 By 2030, end the epidemics of total number of people with HIV regis- AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and ne- tered in the treatment and prevention glected tropical diseases and combat facilities increased by 2,407 people hepatitis, water-borne diseases and compared to 2015 to reach 7,846 peo- other communicable diseases. ple. The number of registered people 3.3.1 Number of new HIV infections per with AIDS increased by 695 to reach 1,000 uninfected population, by sex, 2,377. Seven new HIV infections were age and key populations.

Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan 77 PROGRESS IN 5 THEMATIC GOALS

Figure 14. Number of new HIV infections per 1,000 uninfected population, by sex, age

0,12

0,10 0,1 0,09 0,09

0,08 0,07 0,07 0,07 0,07 0,06 0,06 0,06 0,06 0,05 0,05 0,04 0,04 0,04 0,04

0,02

0 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

total men women Source: SSC registered in the 0-14 age group, 176 in population decreased by 9.4 points for the 15-29 age group, 560 in the 15-49 men and 1.4 points for women between age group, and 119 in the 50+ age group. 2015 and 2019.

3.3.2 Tuberculosis incidence per 1,000 In 2019, the number of new tuberculosis population. cases was 3,613, (66.8% male, 33.2% fe- In 2015-2019, the incidence of tubercu- male), with 27.8% of these cases regis- losis per 1,000 population decreased tered in urban areas and 72.2% in rural by 5.4 points to 36.5. In 2019, the areas. In 2019, 179 of new tuberculosis incidence of tuberculosis per 1,000 cases were found in children aged 0-14. population was twice as high for men (48.8) than for women (24.2). Overall, 3.3.3 Malaria incidence per 1,000 pop- the incidence of tuberculosis per 1,000 ulation.

Figure 15. Tuberculosis incidence per 1,000 population, by sex 70

60 58,2 53,7 52,1 50,9 48,8 50 41,9 39,4 39,8 40 38,3 36,5

30 27,5 25,6 25,1 25,7 24,2

20

10

0 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

total men women Source: SSC

78 Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan PROGRESS IN THEMATIC GOALS 5

Figure 16. Hepatitis B incidence per 100,000 population, by sex

2,5 2,3 2,3

2 1,9 1,9

1,6 1,6 1,6 1,5 1,5 1,4 1,3 1,2 1,1 1,0 1 0,8 0,7

0,5

0 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

total men women

Source: SSC

No cases of malaria have been regis- In cooperation with public unions and tered in Azerbaijan since 2013. The last charitable foundations operating at time a case was registered was 2012, the international and local level in the when three people (two men and one provision of medical and social support woman) were found to be infected. to families of children with disabilities, the Child and Family Support Centers 3.3.4 Hepatitis B incidence per 100,000 (under the State Committee for Family, population. Women and Children Affairs) provid- In 2015-2019, the incidence of Hepatitis ed assistance to 15 people working in B per 100,000 population increased by children’s institutions; provided medi- 0.1 points to 1.6 (increasing by 0.4 points cal and social support for the families for men, but decreasing by 0.3 points of eight children with disabilities; and for women); the 2019 figure in urban referred six children with disabilities areas was 1.9 and in rural areas 1.2. to the Medical Rehabilitation Center of Compared to the preceding year, in Mardakan settlement, through the co- 2019, the number of new Hepatitis B operation agreement with the Azerbai- infections in absolute terms increased jan Service and Assessment Network by 49.4% for men (115 people) and de- (ASAN) and UNICEF. creased by 32.8% for women (41 peo- ple), with an overall increase of 13.0% In accordance with the Persons with Dis- (156 people). abilities Social Protection and Rehabilita- tion Programme, the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Population pro- 3.4. By 2030, reduce by one third pre- vided financial assistance to 69 people mature mortality from non-communi- in 2019 and 50 people in 2020 to cover cable diseases through prevention and treatment in Azerbaijan, and covered treatment and promote mental health the travel expenses of 19 people in 2019 and well-being.

Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan 79 PROGRESS IN 5 THEMATIC GOALS

and 17 people in 2020, enabling them to 3.4.1 Mortality rate attributed to cardio- receive treatment abroad. vascular disease, cancer, diabetes or chronic respiratory disease. In accordance with resolution No. 128 of Compared to 2015, the death rate from the Cabinet of Ministers, dated August cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabe- 12, 2002, 4,708 persons with disabili- tes and chronic respiratory disease de- ties in 2019 and 2,274 persons in 2020 creased by 3.0 points, from 452.1 to 449.1 were provided with sanatorium-resort per 100,000 population in 2019. In the vouchers. same period, this figure decreased by 5.6 points from 442.0 to 436.4 for women, but Youth Houses, the social service insti- remained unchanged for men (462.0). tutions under the Ministry of Youth and Sports, regularly provide socio-psy- The highest number of deaths occurred chological and rehabilitation services in cardiovascular disease and the for children with disabilities and their lowest in diabetes. When categorised parents. Training sessions were organ- by type of disease, in 2019 the number ised in 2019 (56 sessions), 2020 (34 of deaths from cardiovascular disease sessions) and 2021 (11 sessions to date) per 100,000 population was 327.8, from for families of children with disabilities. cancer 89.0, from chronic respiratory In 2019, 524 children with disabilities disease 18.7, and from diabetes 13.6. benefitted from socio-psychological and legal services, 196 in 2020 and During the period under review, mortal- three, currently, in 2021. Furthermore, ity rates decreased relatively for cardio- 25 children with disabilities were pro- vascular disease, and increased rela- vided with rehabilitation services in tively for chronic respiratory disease, 2019 and seven in 2020. cancer, and diabetes.

Figure 17. Mortality from cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and chronic respiratory disease, per 100,000 population, by sex 490 482,1 482,0 479,0 480 472,8 470,1 470 466,3 463,8 462,0 462,0 460 458,4 452,1 453,6 449,1 450 442,0 440 436,4

430

420

410 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

total men women

Source: SSC

80 Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan PROGRESS IN THEMATIC GOALS 5

Figure 18. Suicide mortality rate, per 100,000 population, by sex

5 4,5 4,5 4 3,7 3,3 3,5 3,1 2,9 3,0 3 2,5 2,5 2,1 1,9 1,9 2 1,7 1,4 1,5 0,9 0,9 0,9 1 0,5 0 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

total men women

Source: SSC

In 2019, 8,819 people died of cancer, ing narcotic drug abuse and harmful 1,346 from diabetes, 32,471 from cardio- use of alcohol. vascular disease and 1,854 from chronic In 2019-2020, the Internal Affairs agen- respiratory disease in the country. cies held more than 2,500 meetings, gatherings and conferences in special- 3.4.2 Suicide mortality rate. ized secondary and higher education Although the number of suicides in the institutions on the prevention of drug country increased in 2016 compared use among children and youth, the to 2015, in subsequent years this fig- prevention of offenses and other harm- ure was lower than in 2016. Overall, in ful habits, legal awareness, and the 2015-2019, the suicide mortality rate in promotion of healthy lifestyles. In total, the country decreased by 0.4 points, 95 addiction care providers and 200 from 2.5 to 2.1 per 100,000 population. psychologists from health facilities were At every level of the dynamics, the involved in the events, which were suicide rate for boys was higher than attended by about 90,000 students and for girls. During this period, the suicide their legal representatives. Articles and mortality rate decreased by 0.4 points reports were published in various me- from 3.7 to 3.3 per 100,000 population, dia outlets on “Illicit trafficking in drugs decreasing by 0.5 points for women and psychotropic substances”, “Drug from 1.4 to 0.9 per 100,000 population. addiction as an important problem In 2015-2019, the suicide mortality rate of humanity”, “Legal and socio-moral in urban and rural areas decreased by consequences of drug use”, “What do 0.4 and 0.5 points, respectively, and we know about drugs”, “Drugs destroy amounted to 2.1. youth” and others topics; eight videos and four presentations were prepared 3.5. Strengthen the prevention and and disseminated on the official web- treatment of substance abuse, includ- sites of the Ministry and its subordinate

Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan 81 PROGRESS IN 5 THEMATIC GOALS

structures, and social networks. Work- a number of events. Overall, more than shops were held for 716 officers of the 1,000 youths participated in online national police agencies on “The role workshops during the pandemic. of the state in the healthy upbringing of minors, youth, and implementation 3.6. By 2020, halve the number of of anti-drug measures”, “New types of global deaths and injuries from road drugs and psychotropic substances, traffic accidents. their transportation characteristics” and The Ministry of Internal Affairs put a “Organization and conduct of preven- number of measures in place to pro- tive work among drug and substance mote road safety among adolescents abusers”. and young people. As part of the safe- ty weeks, organised to prevent vehi- In addition, Child and Family Support cle-pedestrian collisions in Azerbaijan, Centers in Goygol, Aghdam, Hajigabul, events were held on educational topics Goranboy, Saatli, Zardab, Zagatala and such as “Learn, abide, teach and de- Shuvalan, part of the State Committee mand”; a “Traffic rules” textbook was for Family, Women and Children Affairs, distributed to minors, and many of held events, webinars and online meet- these events were aired on TV stations, ings to discuss healthy lifestyles among websites and social networks. youth, and the prevention of infectious and non-infectious diseases. The activ- 3.6.1 Death rate due to road traffic inju- ities were organised to raise awareness ries. among youth on the negative effects of drug addiction, tobacco, alcohol and Although the death rate due to road other psychoactive substances, the traffic accidents per 100,000 people importance of food nutrition, and to has been decreasing each year since increase their knowledge and improve 2015, it showed an increase again in their behaviour, increase their level of 2019. The overall death rate due to physical activity, and educate them, road traffic injuries between 2015-2019, together with their parents and teach- decreased from 9.4 to 8.3 per 100,000 ers on the importance and benefits of population. Despite the fact that the adopting a health lifestyle. Overall, a number of deaths due to road traf- total of 719 people participated in the fic accidents decreased for men and collection of events. increased for women over these years, the mortality rate for men is much high- As part of the implementation of the er than for women. During 2015-2019, relevant activities of the “Azerbaijani the indicator decreased by 2.4 points Youth in 2017-2021 State Program” and for men and increased by 0.3 points the “State Program on Combating Illicit for women. Overall, the number of men Trafficking in Narcotic Drugs, Psycho- killed in road traffic accidents in 2019 tropic Substances and their Precursors was 637, and the number of women and Drug Addiction for 2019-2024”, the was 184. Ministry of Youth and Sports organized

82 Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan PROGRESS IN THEMATIC GOALS 5

Figure 19. Death rate due to road traffic injuries, per 100,000 population, by sex

18 15,3 16

14 12,9 12,1 11,7 11,3 12 9,4 10 7,9 8,3 7,7 7,4 8

6 3,4 3,6 3,7 3,5 3,7 4

2

0 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

total men women Source: SSC 3.7. By 2030, ensure universal access and, while this figure showed an in- to sexual and reproductive health-care crease in 2019, when compared to the services, including for family planning, 2015 rate, the 2019 birth rate among information and education, and the women aged 15-19 had still decreased integration of reproductive health into by 4.3 points, from 52.4 to 48.1 births national strategies and programmes. per 1,000 women in that age group. 3.7.2 Adolescent birth rate (aged 10–14 The birth rate among women aged 15- years; aged 15–19 years) per 1,000 19 continues to be significantly higher women in that age group. in rural areas than in urban areas, with 2019 rates indicating 66.9 births per The birth rate among women aged 15- 1,000 in rural areas and 28.9 in urban 19 has been in decline in recent years areas.

Figure 20. Adolescent birth rate (aged 15–19 years) per 1,000 women in that age group, by location 80 71,1 69,0 70 66,9 62,6 61,1 60 52,4 52,8 48,1 50 45,7 44,2

40 35,1 33,9 28,9 28,4 26,8 30

20

10

0 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

total urban rural

Source: SSC

Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan 83 PROGRESS IN 5 THEMATIC GOALS

3.8. Achieve universal health cover- are being trained on the principles and age, including financial risk protection, rules of mandatory health insurance. access to quality essential health-care The Agency also organizes regular ed- services and access to safe, effective, ucational training sessions on non-com- quality and affordable essential medi- municable diseases, maternal and child cines and vaccines for all. health, health management, etc. From January, 2020, the State Agency for Mandatory Health Insurance began 3.a Strengthen the implementation of introducing mandatory health insurance the World Health Organization Frame- throughout the country. The health work Convention on Tobacco Control insurance currently covers 59 admin- in all countries, as appropriate. istrative-territorial units, and from April 3.a.1. Age-standardized prevalence of 2021, the mandatory health insurance current tobacco use among persons coverage will be expanded to include aged 15 years and older. the cities of Baku, Sumgayit, Khankendi, In recent years, the prevalence of to- and the districts of Absheron, Gubadli, bacco use in the country has decreased Zangilan and Shusha. In this regard, with the use among those aged 15 software and new registration systems and above decreasing from 17.0% to are being installed in hospitals, and the 15.2% between 2015-2019. In 2019, the supply of medicines and medical con- highest number of tobacco users was sumables is being digitized through the registered among people aged 45-64. provision of computer equipment and The tobacco use rate among these indi- internet access for hospitals and the viduals was 21.5%, while 0.2% of people development of a hospital information aged 15-19, 13.6% of people aged 20- system. A register of medical services 44 and 13.2% of people aged 65 and is also being compiled and hospital staff above used tobacco.

Figure 21. Prevalence of current tobacco use among persons aged 15 years and older, % 17,5 17 17

16,5 16,2 15,9 16

15,5 15,3 15,2

15

14,5

14 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

3.a.1 Prevalence of current tobacco use among persons aged 15 years and older, by age (%) Source: SSC

84 Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan PROGRESS IN THEMATIC GOALS 5

3.c. Substantially increase health This shortage of health workers was financing and the recruitment, devel- more prevalent in the regions. opment, training and retention of the The number of health workers in- health workforce in developing coun- creased from 874,000 in 2015 to tries, especially in least developed 875,000 in 2019, while the number countries and small island developing of medical doctors decreased from States. 325,000 to 318,000. The 2019 distri- 3.c.1 Health worker density and distri- bution of medical doctors by specialty bution (per 10,000 population). indicated 7,801 physicians (24.5% of the total number of doctors) and only 71 Compared to 2015, the number of addiction care providers (0.22% of the health workers in all categories per total number of doctors). The number 10,000 population showed a decline in of nursing personnel also decreased 2019, decreasing from 91.1 to 87.9. The by 8,000 people compared to 2015 number of medical doctors decreased and amounted to 557,000 people by from 33.9 to 32.0, and the number of the end of 2019; the majority being nursing personnel from 57.3 to 55.9. (383,000 thousand) nurses.

Figure 22. Health worker density and distribution (per 10,000 population)

100 91,14 89,42 90 86,6 87,75 87,94

80

70 57,3 60 56,2 54,0 54,8 55,9 50

40 33,9 33,2 32,6 32,9 32,0 30

20

10

0 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Total health workers Medical doctors Nursery personnel Source: SSC

Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan 85 PROGRESS IN 5 THEMATIC GOALS

GOAL 8 Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all.

This Goal is aimed at sustaining per 8.1. Sustain per capita economic capita economic growth in accordance growth in accordance with national cir- with national circumstances, achieving cumstances and, in particular, at least higher levels of economic productivity 7% gross domestic product growth per through diversification, technological annum in the least developed coun- upgrading and innovation, ensuring tries. full and productive employment and 8.1.1 Annual growth rate of real GDP per decent work for all, taking measures to capita. eradicate forced labour, end modern slavery and human trafficking and end Compared to 2015, real GDP per capita child labour in all its forms, and ensur- increased by 1.6% in 2019, amounting ing equal pay for work of equal value. to AZN 81.9 billion, of which 61.8% was produced in the non-oil and gas sec-

Figure 23. Annual growth rate of real GDP per employed person.

2

1,6 1 0,6

0 -0,1 -1 -0,8

-2

-3

-4

-4,2 -5 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Source: SSC

86 Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan PROGRESS IN THEMATIC GOALS 5

tors of the economy, and 38.2% in the Azerbaijan, the involvement of young oil and gas sector. Additionally, con- entrepreneurs in projects and to build struction accounted for 7.4% of GDP, relations with investors. transport and storage for 5.9%, and other sectors for 16.3%, while net taxes During 2019-2020, the Innovation on products and imports accounted for Agency under the MTCHT provided 9.0% of GDP. AZN 34,000 in grants to individual winners of six grant competitions held 8.2. Achieve higher levels of economic in 2018 to fund innovative and applied productivity through diversification, scientific and technical projects in the technological upgrading and inno- field of ICT. Additionally, AZN 1.1 million vation, including through a focus on was transferred to business entities as high-value added and labour-intensive part of soft loans. The Innovation Agen- sectors. cy has also continued to work on the With a view to developing innovative general registration of startups in the entrepreneurship and supporting start- country and there are currently about up projects in Azerbaijan, an innovation 250 startups in the database. centre is currently being built as part of an urban High Technology Park. During 8.2.1 Annual growth rate of real GDP the reporting period, the Ministry of per employed person. Transport, Communications and High Compared to 2015, real GDP per em- Technologies (MTCHT) held a number ployed person grew by 1.6% in 2019, of events to promote innovation in and the number of employed people in

Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan 87 PROGRESS IN 5 THEMATIC GOALS

Figure 24. Annual growth rate of real GDP per employed person.

2 1,6

1 0,3 0

-0,4 -1,1 -1

-2

-3

-4

-5 -4,9

-6 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Source: SSC

the economy increased by 5.7%, reach- the country: the “2020-2025 Action ing 4.9 million. Of the total employed Plan on implementation of the Employ- population, 36% were engaged in ment Strategy” and the “2020-2025 agriculture, forestry and fishing, 14.4% in Action Plan on implementation of the trade and vehicle repair, 7.8% in educa- Employment Strategy”. The main goals tion, 7.4% in construction, 5.7% in public of the strategies are to use the labour administration, defense and social se- resources, increase the employment curity, 5.3% in the manufacturing indus- rate, promote inclusive employment, try, 4.2% in transport and storage, 3.9% support decent work, increase labour in human health and social work, and competitiveness and increase labour 15.3% in other sectors of the economy. productivity. In 2019, 76.6% of the employed pop- ulation were employed in the private Furthermore, according to the Decree of sector and 23.4% in the public sector. the President of the Republic of Azerbai- jan dated 5 September, 2018, a cen- 8.5 By 2030, achieve full and produc- tralized electronic information system, tive employment and decent work consisting of 18 subsystems, and the for all women and men, including for “e-social” Internet portal were put into young people and persons with dis- operation, and the “Employment” sub- abilities, and equal pay for work of system was created. The “Employment” equal value. subsystem registers the employed, un- Two strategies were developed to employed and job-seekers, and ‘banks’ determine long-term public policy workplace vacancies throughout the on employment, through institutional country, as well as providing information reforms aimed at ensuring productive on electronic employment services. The employment on the basis of the existing vacancy ‘bank’ in the “Employment” sub- demographic trends and development system is integrated with the “Employ- prospects and economic priorities of ment contract notices” subsystem and

88 Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan PROGRESS IN THEMATIC GOALS 5

referrals to vacancies are made elec- in agriculture and 2,930 in production tronically. During 2020, about 100,000 and services), with 11,098 passing the people received electronic referrals to assessment and being accepted into jobs through the subsystem. the programme. Of the 12,654 people applying for the programme, 3,171 were With a view to reducing the depen- women, 1,704 were young people under dence of the working-age population the age of 29, 1,809 were people with on social assistance and benefits, in disabilities, 1,461 were IDPs, 856 were 2020 the State Employment Agency members of martyrs’ families, 120 were under the Ministry of Labour and Social persons released from prisons, and 57 Protection organised vocational training were recipients of targeted state social courses for 1,014 unemployed people to assistance. ensure the transition from passive social protection to active social protection. In 2020, a total of 1,533 people were involved in the extraordinary self-em- With regard to labour market devel- ployment programme, including 856 opment, the self-employment pro- family members of martyrs, 418 peo- gramme is one of the most important ple wounded in the war or their family active labour market measures aimed members, 232 war participants or their at promoting self-employment in the family members. Moreover, 27 people working-age population. In 2020, a total whose houses were destroyed because of 12,654 people applied to the self-em- of the attacks of the Armenian armed ployment programme (including 9,724 forces in Barda, Tartar regions and Gan-

Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan 89 PROGRESS IN 5 THEMATIC GOALS

ja city were involved in self-employment During 2015-2019, the average hourly and assistance was provided for them wage of employees increased by 1.4 to establish a family business. times from AZN 3.0 to AZN 4.2. The average hourly wage of women also Job fairs were also organized in 2020, increased by 1.5 times, and the aver- in16 cities and regions of the country age hourly wage of men increased with the participation of 522 enterpris- by 1.4 times. However, throughout the es, departments and organizations. Of dynamics, the average hourly wage of the 4,761 vacancies offered at these men was higher than that of women, job fairs, 1,045 unemployed people and averaging 80%. In terms of distribution job-seekers succeeded in finding a job; by economic region, Baku was highest 392 were refugees, 18 were female (AZN 5.7) and Upper Karabakh was low- IDPs, 304 were young people and 24 est (AZN 2.3). were people with disabilities. In 2019, the average monthly nominal Additionally, in order to encourage the salary of men was AZN 764.8, and AZN participation of employers in the recruit- 443.4 for women. The average monthly ment of employees, especially those nominal wage was higher in the private with special needs for social protection sector than in the public sector. Specifi- and those who have difficulty finding cally, women working in the public sec- employment, the Law of the Republic tor received an average monthly nomi- of Azerbaijan “On Employment” was nal salary of AZN 405.9, and AZN 549.6 amended in 2020 to ease the condi- in the private sector, while the average tions for the co-financing of their sala- monthly nominal salary of men was AZN ries through unemployment insurance. 673.1 and AZN 837.5, respectively. 8.5.1 Average hourly earnings of female and male employees, by occupation, In 2019 two social packages were intro- age and persons with disabilities. duced. The first, in March 2019, raised

Figure 25. Average hourly earnings of female and male employees, by sex, AZN

6

4,9 5 4,2 4,3 4,2 4,0 4 3,6 3,4 3,5 3,2 3,0 3,0 3 2,3 2,4 2,0 2,1 2

1

0 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Total Men Women Source: SSC

90 Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan PROGRESS IN THEMATIC GOALS 5

the minimum wage by 40% to reach the subsistence minimum of AZN 180; fund- ing for these expenditures was allocated from the State budget in the amount of over AZN 300 million. The package ben- efitted 600,000 people and led to an increase in the average monthly salary 6.7% (urban) and 4.7% (rural) for women in the country. The second package, in- and 4.9% (urban) and 3.1% (rural) for troduced in September 2019, increased men. The highest number of unem- the minimum wage to AZN 250, 38.9% ployed was registered in Baku. more than the subsistence minimum. Unemployment among young people Overall, the two social packages benefit- under 30 was higher than among peo- ted a total of 4.2 million people. ple over 30: 15.8% for those aged 15-19, 12.2% for those aged 20-24, and 5.8% 8.5.2 Unemployment rate, by sex, age for those aged 25-29. The unemploy- and persons with disabilities. ment rate among the population aged Between 2015 and 2019, the unem- 30 and above was below 4%. ployment rate in Azerbaijan decreased from 5.0% to 4.8%, the unemployment As a result of measures taken during rate among men from 4.1% to 4.0%, and the pandemic to prevent unjustified among women from 5.9% to 5.7%. In dismissals and layoffs of employees in 2019, the economically active popula- the private sector and to maintain the tion of the country amounted to 5,190.1 salaries of employees on leave, the jobs thousand people, of which 2.5 million and wages of 794,000 employees (with people were unemployed. employment contracts) were protected in the sector. Through the “Employment The 2019 unemployment rate was high- Contract Notification” subsystem of the er in urban areas than in rural areas, at Centralized Electronic Information Sys-

Figure 26. Unemployment rate, total and by sex, % 7

5,9 6,0 5,9 6 5,8 5,7

5,0 5,0 5,0 4,9 5 4,8 4,2 4,1 4,1 4,1 4,0 4

3

2

1

0 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Source: SSC Total Men Women

Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan 91 PROGRESS IN 5 THEMATIC GOALS

tem of the Ministry of Labour and Social industries, occupations (positions), as Protection of Population, employment well as underground jobs with harmful contract terminations were investigated, and severe working conditions and fac- necessary recommendations provided tors of production environment where to employers, warning notices posted the use of female labour is prohibited’ ”. and daily monitoring undertaken. As a result of targeted measures, the growth Furthermore, in accordance with para- rate in the number of employment con- graph 2.6 of the “Rules for submission tracts continued, and from the beginning of proposals on the conclusion or of 2020 to January, 2021, the number of termination of international agreements employment contract registration notic- of the Republic of Azerbaijan by the es increased by about 150,000 units. central executive authorities and state- owned enterprises”, the formulation of 8.7. Take immediate and effective mea- measures in line with the ratification by sures to eradicate forced labour, end Azerbaijan of the International Labour modern slavery and human trafficking Organization (ILO) Convention No. 155 and secure the prohibition and elimina- on Occupational Safety and health tion of the worst forms of child labour, (1981) are nearing completion. including recruitment and use of child soldiers, and by 2025 end child labour 8.8 Protect labour rights and promote in all its forms. safe and secure working environments In framework of the project “Lifting for all workers, including migrant work- Legal Barriers to Women’s Employment ers, in particular women migrants, and in Azerbaijan”, implemented through those in precarious employment. the World Bank in 2020, two draft The State Migration Service has pre- laws were drawn up. The first, “On pared a draft Migration Strategy to man- amendments to the Labour Code of age migration policies in accordance the Republic of Azerbaijan to reduce with the SDG targets. In accordance the number of jobs restricting women’s with the “Global Pact for Safe, Orderly employment, on the basis of scientific and Regular Migration” and the “Global approaches”, was followed by a further Compact on Refugees” and national pri- draft law, “On annulment of the Resolu- orities and interests regarding migration tion No. 170 of the Cabinet of Ministers policy, the Strategy focuses on facilitat- of the Republic of Azerbaijan dated Oc- ing legal migration, preventing unreg- tober 20, 1999 on approval of the ‘List ulated migration, protecting vulnera- of industries, occupations (positions), ble groups, leveraging development workplaces, as well as underground prospects of migration, and organising jobs with harmful and severe working awareness raising activities on institu- conditions, where the use of labour tional development and migration. of pregnant women or women with a The State Migration Service, together child under one year of age is prohibit- with civil society institutions, has put ed’ and on the approval of the ‘List of measures in place to ensure the rights

92 Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan PROGRESS IN THEMATIC GOALS 5

of migrants and help them adapt to is shorter than that stipulated by local conditions. The Public Council legislation; under the State Migration Service, - People whose passports have which brings together non-govern- expired may continue to legal- mental organizations operating in the ly reside in the country, and will field of migration, regularly meets with therefore not be considered illegal migrants, arranging their reception, dis- migrants; cussing their proposals and problems, and resolving complaints received in - No deportation of migrants, ir- connection with the Service. The Public respective of their legal status, Council also supports the activities of and no administrative procedures the State Migration Service in educating required to permit them to remain foreigners about the existing legislation in the country; in the field of migration, their require- - In light of quarantine restrictions, ments, and changes in legislation. applications for refugee status were received electronically by From 24 March, 2020, when the first the State Migration Service. This COVID-19 quarantine regime was an- innovative approach was recog- nounced in Azerbaijan, the following nized as a best practice by the UN measures were taken to further simplify High Commissioner for Refugees; e-applications, minimize human contact and optimize the requirements for the - The Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, submission of documentation to the YouTube and Telegram social State Migration Service by foreigners: network accounts of the State Migration Service actively used for awareness raising and commu- - The lifting of the need for foreign- nication with applicants. ers currently in the country and unable to leave to have to apply In addition to the above measures, for an extension of their temporary access to e-services was also made stay; possible through the MigAz mobile - The digitization of a number of application to help address citizen services, including applications satisfaction. Particular attention was for the extension of the temporary paid to ensuring the user-friendliness of stay of foreigners in the country, e-services provided by the State Migra- the issuance (extension) of res- tion Service, as well as the timely and idence and work permits, and comprehensive provision of information citizenship issues (https://eservice. to the public on relevant procedures migration.gov.az); related to the pandemic situation.

- Applications for extensions of va- To further protect the rights and free- lidity on passports or other border doms of migrants living in Azerbaijan crossing documents for foreign- and provide social support to vulnera- ers processed, even if the period

Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan 93 PROGRESS IN 5 THEMATIC GOALS

ble groups of migrants, the State Migra- facturing industry; 18 in the production, tion Service expanded its interaction distribution and supply of electricity, with non-governmental organizations gas and steam; 3 in water supply, waste and civil society institutions. In this re- management and remediation; 53 in con- gard, activities related to ongoing social struction; 28 in transport and storage; 10 assistance projects have been imple- in information and communications; and mented with their close participation. 86 in other economic activities.

8.8.1 Frequency rates of fatal and 8.9. By 2030, devise and implement non-fatal occupational injuries, by sex policies to promote sustainable tour- and migrant status. ism that creates jobs and promotes The number of fatal and non-fatal occu- local culture and products. pational injuries per 100,000 workers 8.9.1 Tourism direct GDP as a propor- increased from 11 to 18 cases between tion of total GDP and in growth rate. 2015 and 2019, with men becoming During 2015-2019, the proportion of injured about 4 times higher than wom- tourism in total GDP was 4.5%; falling to en. The number of fatal occupational a low of 4.3% in 2018. In the same peri- injuries increased from 50 in 2015 to od, the average annual nominal growth 63 in 2019, and the number of non-fatal of value added in tourism was 9.1%. injuries increased from 111 to 239. In 2019, the volume of value added in When disaggregated by economic ac- tourism increased from AZN 2.4 million tivity, the number of fatal and non-fatal to AZN 3.7 million, compared to 2014. occupational injuries in 2019 totalled 59 in the mining industry; 45 in the manu-

Figure 27. Fatal and non-fatal occupational injuries per 100,000 workers, by sex

30 26 25 25

20 20 18 18 16 16

15 13 12 11 10 7

4 4 5 3 2

0 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Total Men Women

Source: SSC

94 Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan PROGRESS IN THEMATIC GOALS 5

Figure 28. Tourism direct GDP as a proportion of total GDP and in growth rate

16 14,8

14 12,7

12

10 9,3 8,1 8

6 4,5 4,5 4,5 4,3 4,5 4

2 1,4

0 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Tourism direct GDP as a proportion of total GDP, % Turism direct GDP in growth rate, %

Source: SSC

8.10. Strengthen the capacity of do- reason for the decline in this indicator mestic financial institutions to encour- was the closure of a number of banks in age and expand access to banking, 2015-2019 due to financial difficulties. insurance and financial services for all. In absolute terms, the number of ATMs in the country in 2015 was 2,694 (1,502 8.10.1 (a) Number of commercial bank in Baku and 1,192 in the regions); by the branches per 100,000 adults and (b) end of 2019, this figure had dropped number of automated teller machines to 2,647 (1,421 in Baku and 1,226 in the (ATMs) per 100,000 adults. regions). In 2015, the number of peo- The number of commercial bank ple per ATM was 36,000 people, and branches, per 100,000 population aged in 2019 it was 38,000 people. In 2019, 15 and above, decreased from 18.1 in 509 bank branches, belonging to 30 2015 to 11.0 in 2019, and the number banks, were operational in the country of ATMs from 35.8 to 33.9. The main (two public and 28 private sector).

Figure 29. Number of commercial bank branches and number of ATMs per 100,000 adults 40 35,8 35 33,9 32,3 31,7 32,3 30

25

20 18,1

15 13,9 11,9 11,1 11 10

5

0 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Branches ATMs

Source: SSC

Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan 95 PROGRESS IN 5 THEMATIC GOALS

8.b By 2020, develop and operational- 8.b.1 Total government spending in ize a global strategy for youth employ- social protection and employment pro- ment and implement the Global Jobs grammes as a proportion of the nation- Pact of the International Labour Orga- al budgets and GDP. nization. The efficient use of labour resources, In 2020, the “2020-2025 Action Plan expanding employment and entre- for the Implementation of the Employ- preneurship opportunities, supporting ment Strategy” was approved by the decent work, increasing the competi- Decree No. 1816 of the President of the tiveness of the workforce and increas- Republic of Azerbaijan dated 13 Febru- ing labour productivity, have all been ary, 2020. It comprises the following identified as key goals for the strategic activities: roadmaps for the development of the - expanding the network of vocational national economy and its key sectors. rehabilitation centres for people with In this regard, a long-term state employ- disabilities in the regions to strength- ment policy aimed at ensuring effective en the social rehabilitation of people employment, the “2019-2030 Employ- with disabilities, especially youth; ment Strategy of the Republic of Azer- baijan”, was approved by the Decree of - supporting the establishment of the President of the Republic of Azer- career centres and career counsel- baijan on 30 October, 2018. ing services in higher, specialized secondary and vocational education The goal of the Strategy is to ensure institutions to organize the occupa- the transition of the employment policy tional orientation of young people; from an extensive to intensive phase, - increasing the effectiveness of vo- to increase employment, to ensure full cational training courses to attract employment, to support decent work people with special needs and diffi- and to increase labour productivity. culties in finding employment, espe- cially young people, and people with With a view to strengthening the inte- disabilities, to the labour market; gration of young people from vocation- al education into the labour market, - expanding the application of com- improving career (vocational) counsel- petence-oriented modular training ing and planning services and ensuring using advanced educational meth- atransition to the widespread use of ods in this field; digital technologies have been identi- - taking measures to attract a seg- fied as priorities in the Strategy. ment of the inactive working-age population to the labour market, on the basis of statistical data regarding the number of this group (especially youth and women).

96 Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan PROGRESS IN THEMATIC GOALS 5

GOAL 10 Reduce inequality within and among countries.

The aim of this goal is to ensure equal 10.4.1 Labour share of GDP, comprising opportunities for the social, economic wages and social protection transfers. and political inclusion of all, irrespective Compared to 2015, the labour share of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, re- of GDP increased by 0.3 percentage ligion or other status, reducing inequali- points from 20.5 percent to 21.0 per- ties in income, improving the regulation cent in 2019. Over the past 5 years, and monitoring of global financial mar- the nominal income of the population kets and institutions, and facilitating the increased by 36%, from 41.7 billion AZN orderly migration and safe mobility of to 56.8 billion AZN. people. 10.7. Facilitate orderly, safe, regular and 10.4. Adopt policies, especially fiscal, responsible migration and mobility of wage and social protection policies, people, including through the imple- and progressively achieve greater mentation of planned and well-man- equality. aged migration policies.

Figure 30. Labour share of GDP, % 25,0

20,2 20,5 20,0 19,4 18,0 18,4

15,0

10,0

5,0

0,0 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Source: SSC Labour share of GDP, %

Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan 97 PROGRESS IN 5 THEMATIC GOALS

10.7.2. Existance of migration policy to fa- staying in Azerbaijan are kept by the cilitate orderly, safe, regular and respon- Unified Migration Information System sible migration and mobility of people. of the State Migration Service (VMMS), In the past few years, significant im- created by the Decree of the Presi- provements have been made in the dent of the Republic of Azerbaijan (No. regulation of migration in the Repub- 276 dated 4 June, 2010). The VMMS lic of Azerbaijan. The application of also provides necessary information to the “one-stop shop” principle for the government agencies involved in the management of migration processes, management of migration processes, in accordance with the Decree of the automating migration documentation, President of the Republic of Azerbai- inspections, surveys and analysis. The jan dated 4 March, 2009, was one of VMMS is integrated with the “Entry-Exit the important steps taken to develop and Registration” Interdepartmental the migration management system Automated Data Search System and taking into account international best relevant systems of other government practices. It has resulted in more flex- agencies. It is also integrated, where ible, simplified and efficient migration available, with the systems of hotels, management mechanisms, and has sanatoriums, recreation facilities, board- helped ensure responsiveness and ing houses, campsites, tourist bases, transparency in this area. The State hospitals and other such public places Migration Service issues permits and operating across the country. relevant identification documents to foreigners and stateless persons for Since September, 2011, a special e-ser- temporary and permanent residence in vice section has been hosted on the of- the country, registers them on the basis ficial website of the State Migration Ser- of their place of residence, extends the vice and currently provides 17 relevant period of temporary stay of foreign- e-services, thus making migration-re- ers and stateless persons, and issues lated information more easily accessi- work permits to enable these people ble for applicants. Information on the to engage in paid employment in the names of the services, accurate lists of country. Exit and return visas issued to documents required for the provision of foreigners have been abolished since these services and the electronic form the introduction of the “one-stop shop” of relevant documents (application, ap- principle. Currently, foreigners and plication form, letterhead, etc.), as well stateless persons can exit or return to as the amount of State fees for permits, the country without obtaining a visa by decisions and other documents are presenting temporary and permanent provided in the e-service section. residence permits and valid passports (or other border crossing documents) The State Migration Service considers as many times as they wish. the policy of ‘open information’ one of its priority areas. In this regard, par- Records of foreigners and stateless ticular attention is paid to providing persons living, working and temporarily information to foreigners, as well as to

98 Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan PROGRESS IN THEMATIC GOALS 5

Azerbaijani citizens, and on improving 10.b Encourage official development the main means of communication, in assistance and financial flows, -in the field of public relations. cluding foreign direct investment, to states where the need is greatest, in Regarding international cooperation in particular least developed countries, the field of migration, the Republic of African countries, small island develop- Azerbaijan was accepted as a member ing states and landlocked developing of the Global Forum on Migration and countries, in accordance with their Development Steering Group in light of national plans and programmes. the country’s achievements in migration 10.b.1 Total resource flows for develop- management at the national and re- ment, by recipient and donor countries gional levels. and type of flow (e.g. official develop- ment assistance, foreign direct invest- Today, the State Migration Service also ment and other flows). provides services in the ASAN service centres. The ASAN agency was estab- In 2015-2019, direct investment at- lished to increase the transparency of tracted to the country decreased by government agency activities, to pro- 43% and amounted to 4,275.3 million vide services to citizens in an improved USD, while direct investment abroad and more comfortable format, using decreased by 20.3% and amounted to modern innovations and with the aim 2,602.1 million US dollars. Compared to of ensuring citizen satisfaction. These 2018, in 2019 there was an increase of services include issuance of residence 166.2 million USD in direct investments permits, and work permits, registration, attracted to the country, and a decrease temporary stay extensions, handling cit- of 814.8 million USD in direct invest- izenship enquiries, and the issuance of ments abroad. certificates from the Unified Migration Information System.

Figure 31. Direct investment attracted to Azerbaijan and direct investment abroad, million USD

8000 7483,1 7323,6 7000

6000 5713,8

5000 4109,1 4275,3 4000 3263,1 3416,9 2917,6 3000 2678,4 2602,1

2000

1000

0 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Direct investment attracted to Azerbaijan Direct investment abroad Source: SSC

Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan 99 PROGRESS IN 5 THEMATIC GOALS

Goal 12 Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.

The aim of SDG 12 is to achieve the 12.4.1 Number of parties to international sustainable management and efficient multilateral environmental agreements use of natural resources by 2030, halv- on hazardous waste, and other chem- ing per capita global food waste at the icals that meet their commitments and retail and consumer levels and reducing obligations in transmitting information as food losses along production and supply required by each relevant agreement. chains, including post-harvest losses, The Republic of Azerbaijan acceded significantly reducing the release of to the UN Basel Convention on the wastes to air, water and soil in order to Control of Transboundary Movements minimize their adverse impact on human of Hazardous Wastes in 2001, and the health and the environment. This, in turn, Ministry of Ecology and Natural Re- requires that companies, especially large sources of the Republic of Azerbaijan and transnational companies, adopt has been disgnated as the competent sustainable management practices and authority under the Basel Convention. integrate sustainability information into In order to fulfill obligations under the their reporting cycle, that sustainable Convention, the “Passportization of tourism is introduced, which promotes Hazardous Waste” Rule and the “State local culture and products, and that Strategy for Hazardous Waste Man- environmentally sound management of agement in the Republic of Azerbaijan” chemicals and all wastes is achieved. were approved.

12.4. By 2020, achieve the environ- The Stockholm Convention on Per- mentally sound management of chem- sistent Organic Pollutants was ratified icals and all wastes throughout their by the Republic of Azerbaijan in 2003. life cycle, in accordance with agreed The Ministry of Ecology and Natural international frameworks, and signifi- Resources of the Republic of Azerbaijan cantly reduce their release to air, water has been designated as the competent and soil in order to minimize their authority under the Convention. The adverse impacts on human health and Ministry has collected extensive infor- the environment.

100 Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan PROGRESS IN THEMATIC GOALS 5

mation on the Convention, established phased reduction of the use of ODS in a working group of experts from rele- Azerbaijan was developed and submit- vant organizations and prepared a plan ted to the Secretariat of the Conven- of relevant proposals. tion. According to the obligations under the protocol, the use of chlorofluorocar- The Republic of Azerbaijan ratified bon-containing ODS and their import the Montreal Protocol on Substances should be stopped in the country. that Deplete the Ozone Layer and the relevant amendments to the Protocol in 12.4.2. Hazardous waste generated 1996. The annual amount of ozone-de- per capita and proportion of hazardous pleting substances (ODS) used in the waste treated, by type of treatment. country has been determined and the Ozone Strategy of the Republic of Azer- During 2015-2019, the hazardous waste baijan has been developed, envisag- generated per capita increased by 16.5 ing the phased reduction of the use of percent from 27.2 kg to 31.7 kg. Specif- these substances. In accordance with ically, compared to 2015 the amount the strategy, a time schedule for the of hazardous waste generated in 2019

Figure 32. Hazardous waste generated per capita, kg

70 64,8

60

50

40 34,1 31,7 30 27,2 27,0

20

10

0 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

kg Source: SSC

Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan 101 PROGRESS IN 5 THEMATIC GOALS

increased by 21% from 262.6 thousand projects envisaged in the Order have tons to 317.4 thousand tons. The highest been prepared. volume of hazardous waste per capita was 130.8 kg and 5.1 kg, respectively, in In addition, a number of measures have Baku city and Absheron economic region. been taken to assess the potential for the production of electricity from 12.a Support developing countries to renewable energy sources and mea- strengthen their scientific and techno- sures to be taken to use this potential. logical capacity to move towards more Eight areas were identified as having sustainable patterns of consumption the renewable energy potential of total and production. capacity approximately 1,000 MW. 12.a.1 Installed renewable energy-gen- In addition, projects expanding the erating capacity (in watts per capita) potential of solar and wind energy in the regions will also be developed in The Ministry of Energy has taken im- the coming years, using non-agricultural portant steps in recent years to signifi- lands. In this regard, the Ministry has cantly increase the share of renewable already identified the administrative energy in energy supply; relevant laws territorial units and is exploring the des- and regulations have been adopted to ignated uses of the lands and connec- improve the legislative and institution- tivity to the electricity network. al framework for the development of renewable energy sources, and exec- In 2020, “Azalternativenerji” LLC, a sub- utive agreements have been signed. sidiary of the State Agency for Renew- The draft Law of the Republic of Azer- able Energy Sources under the Ministry baijan “On the use of renewable energy of Energy, generated 10.0 million kWh sources in the production of electricity”, of electricity from renewable energy which makes a special contribution to sources, of which 8.5 million kWh was the development of renewable ener- transferred to the power grid. gy, was prepared and submitted to the Overall, from 2015 to December, 2020, government in coordination with state 2,883.3 million m3 of natural gas was agencies. not utilised in Azerbaijan and 5.1 million tons of CO2 emissions were reduced as In order to promote private invest- a result of renewable energy sources ment in the development of this field, being used for electricity production. which requires high-tech equipment and special technical skills, in 2019 the President of the Republic of Azerbai- The Ministry of Energy has set a target jan signed an Order “On measures to of a 30% increase by 2030 in the share implement pilot projects in the use of of installed renewable energy capac- renewable energy sources.” Six regu- ity in the total energy balance of the latory documents on issues and mech- country. To achieve this, a total of 1,500 anisms to be resolved within the legal MW of installed capacity will be created aspects of the implementation of pilot from renewable energy sources, includ-

102 Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan PROGRESS IN THEMATIC GOALS 5

ing 440 MW in 2020-2022, 460 MW in the next act of aggression by Armenia, 2023-2025 and 600 MW in 2026-2030. were treated separately. Precisely, a set On 9 January, 2020, the Ministry of of proposals have been put forward on Energy signed executive agreements activities related to installation of mea- with Saudi Arabia’s ACWA Power and suring observation stations to deter- the UAE-based Masdar on the imple- mine the exact potential for wind and mentation of pilot projects on renew- solar energy and assessment of techni- able energy. In accordance with these cal capabilities and economic efficien- agreements, pilot projects will be im- cy; and 1 solar measuring observation plemented with ACWA Power for the station has already been installed in construction of a 240 MW wind power Zangilan district. plant and with Masdar for the construc- tion of 230 MW solar power plants. On Eight areas with a total potential of 29 December, 2020, the Ministry of more than 4,000 MW have been identi- Energy, Azerenergy OJSC and ACWA fied for the construction of solar power Power signed an Investment Agree- plants in six districts (Fuzuli, Jabrayil, ment, a Power Purchase Agreement Zangilan, Gubadli, Lachin and Kalbajar) and a Transmission Network Connec- in the liberated areas. In the mountain- tion Agreement on a project for the ous part of Lachin and Kalbajar regions construction of a 240 MW wind power on the border with Armenia, there are plant project. large areas with an average annual wind speed of 7-8 m/s at an altitude Under the pilot project “Knowledge of 100 meters. Taking into account the Exchange and Technical Assistance on infrastructure, geographical relief and the Development of Floating Solar Pan- other factors of these areas, the initial el Systems” implemented with the sup- wind energy potential is estimated at port of the Asian Development Bank, 600 MW. the installation of a 100 KW photovoltaic system on Boyukshor Lake is planned. In addition, from the first quarter of Business models promoting the par- 2020, the State Housing Development ticipation of the private sector in solar Agency has began cooperation with installations will also be developed, and the United Nations Development Pro- training will be given to strengthen na- gramme (UNDP). Within the framework tional capacity. The project is expected of this cooperation, in the Agency’s next to be completed by 2023. projects, it is planned to introduce new energy efficiency norms and standards The districts with high renewable ener- and install energy efficiency and renew- gy potential in the territories of the Re- able energy technologies reducing the public of Azerbaijan liberated from the greenhouse effect, in 21 social buildings occupation of the Republic of Armenia to be constructed in residential com- during the counter-offensive launched plexes, with funding from Global Envi- on September 27, 2020 in response to ronment Facility (GEF).

Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan 103 PROGRESS IN 5 THEMATIC GOALS

Goal 13 Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

This goal is aimed at strengthening re- The number of people killed, injured, silience to climate-related hazards and rescued and evacuated as a result natural disasters in all countries, eliminat- of disasters per 100,000 population ing the consequences of climate changes increased from 13.9 to 24.6 in 2016, and mitigating the impacts thereof. This, and in subsequent years decreased in turn, requires strengthening of early steadily to 17.1. In 2019, the number of warning measures, as well as promotion people killed as a result of disasters per of enhanced education, effective planning 100,000 population was 0.7, the number and management capacity. of injured was 3.4, the number of res- cued was 0.6, and the number of evac- 13.1. Strengthen resilience and adap- uees was 12.4. Overall, 14,192 natural tive capacity to climate-related hazards and man-made disasters (139 natural and natural disasters in all countries. disasters, 14,053 man-made disasters) 13.1.1 Number of deaths, injuries, res- occurred in the country in 2019, which cued persons and evacuated persons is 1,272 incidents or 8.2 percent less attributed to disasters per 100,000 than in 2018. As a result of natural and population. man-made disasters, 70 people died, 338 were injured, 63 were rescued and 1,228 were evacuated.

104 Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan PROGRESS IN THEMATIC GOALS 5

Figure 33. Persons killed, injured, rescued and evacuated as a result of disasters, per 100,000 population 30

25 0,7 2,5 0,7 0,7 1,1 20 3,4 2,4 1,6 0,9 0,7 15 3,4 0,8 0,6 2,5 10 20,7 2,2 16,9 17,6 12,4 5 8,4

0 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

evacuated rescued injured deaths

Source: SSC

13.2. Integrate climate change mea- well as online events, meetings, semi- sures into national policies, strategies nars, training courses, etc. were orga- and planning. nized in frames of the projects. A number of measures have been tak- en to study and apply international ex- In addition, the necessary domestic perience in the field of climate change procedures for the technical assistance in our country. Relevant coordination project document “Support to the meetings were held on the implementa- planning and implementation of climate tion of international projects and pro- change adaptation activities in Azerbai- grams in the field of climate change, as jan” between the Government of the

Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan 105 PROGRESS IN 5 THEMATIC GOALS

Figure 34. Total greenhouse gas emissions per year, million tons (CO2 equivalent) 60 53,6 51,4 50,9 50,7 50

40

30

20

10

0 2015 2016 2017 2018

million tons Source: SSC

Republic of Azerbaijan and the United pared to 2015 and reached to 53.6 Nations Development Programme have million tons in 2018. In 2018, 61.0 per- been completed. The document was cent or 32.7 million tons of greenhouse

approved by the Order of the Cabinet gases was carbon dioxide (CO2), 6.5 of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbai- percent or 3.5 million tons was nitrogen

jan No. 192s dated March 11, 2021. oxide (N2O), 31.5 percent or 16,9 million tons was methane (CH4) and 0.9 per- With the support of the United Nations cent or 0.5 million tons of F-gases. Development Programme, the prepara- tion of the Fourth National Communica- Overall, from 2015 to the end of 2020, tion of Azerbaijan to the United Nations 2,883.3 million m3 of natural gas was Framework Convention on Climate saved in the Republic of Azerbaijan and Change has been completed. Within CO2 emissions were reduced by 5.1 mil- the framework of the EU4Climate re- lion tons thanks to electricity generated gional project implemented by the Unit- from renewable energy sources. ed Nations Development Programme, priority sectors leading to significant 13.3. Improve education, aware- carbon reductions have been selected; ness-raising and human and institu- a preliminary action plan for the preper- tional capacity on climate change mit- ation of future Low Carbon Develop- igation, adaptation, impact reduction ment Strategy has been drafted and and early warning. the country is currently assessing the With a view to mitigating the effects of situation in sectors. climate change, the Presidential Decree No. 560 of 11 March 2020 determined 13.2.2 Total greenhouse gas emissions the new composition of the State Com- per year. mission on Climate Change and estab- Total greenhouse gas emissions per lished a Working Group consisting of year increased by 4.3 percent com- representatives of relevant organizations

106 Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan PROGRESS IN THEMATIC GOALS 5

under the coordination of the Ministry of hydrometeorological events resulting Ecology and Natural Resources (MENR). from climate change, to improve the The Working Group prepared an “Ac- forecasting and early warning system, tion Plan on issues to be addressed at as well as to modernize the logistics the level of the State Commission.” The base in order improve monitoring and Action Plan includes activities to develop laboratory activities. Specifically, as part draft laws and regulatory documents in of the Strategic Road Maps and other the field of energy efficiency and renew- state programme activities, 10 hydro- able energy sources, on expanding the meteorological stations will be adapted use, promotion and application of re- to become agrometeorological stations. newable energy sources, on the intro- Furthermore, another seven hydrolog- duction of measures to reduce carbon ical stations were refurbished and are emissions, and also on climate change now fully operational. adaptation activities. During this period, meteorological, hy- In addition, in order to combat climate drological, agrometeorological, actino- change and its effects, the Republic of metric, radar and oceanographic obser- Azerbaijan submitted to the Secretariat vations were carried out in accordance of the Convention its nationally defined with the relevant instructions; hydrome- contributions under the Paris Agree- teorological conditions were studied; ment adopted at the 21st Conference short-term and long-term hydrometeo- of the Parties on 12 December 2015. As rological forecasts, including issuance a contribution to global climate change of warnings of expected dangerous mitigation initiatives, it has been set as hydrometeorological events were en- a target to achieve a 35% reduction in sured; and hydrometeorological service greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 was provided to state agencies, organi- compared to the baseline year (1990). zations and the population.

Measures have been taken to strength- The Republic of Azerbaijan has joined en mitigation activities for dangerous the Bonn challenge to restore the forest

Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan 107 PROGRESS IN 5 THEMATIC GOALS

landscape in lands degraded by climate to this indicator in standards, curricula change and aims to restore 270,000 and training programs. hectares of forest by 2030. During the period, reforestation measures covered 13.b.1 Availability of nationally deter- 24.5 thousand hectares. Reforestation mined contributions, long-term strat- measures were carried out in 22,000 egies, national adaptation plans and hectares through natural restoration, strategies as reported in adaptation and in 2,500 hectares through planting, communications. sowing and other methods. The Ministry of Ecology and Natural Re- sources and the Ministry of Agriculture Assessment of damage to environment of the Republic of Azerbaijan devel- and natural resources in the recently oped and approved a Joint Action Plan liberated areas of the Republic of Azer- to Support Green Agriculture (2020 baijan revealed that in the territories that -2023) with a view to further strength- had been under occupation of Armenia ening the coordinated activities of the for 30 years, 260,311 hectares of forests two government agencies in the field of and valuable tree species such as oak, agrobiodiversity, ecosystem protection beech, hornbeam, ash-tree, pine, maple, and efficient use of natural resources hazelnut, walnut and plane trees were and improve information exchange. cut down and used for various purpos- es. Mass deforestation in the occupied The Joint Action Plan to Support Green territories that lasted many years has led Agriculture incorporates measures for to desertification and soil erosion. mitigation of and adaptation to the envi- ronmental impact of agricultural activi- As a result of deliberate fires in the ties, efficient water and land use activi- area, more than a hundred thousand ties, protection, expansion and efficient hectares were destroyed by fire. As a use of forest resources, protection of result of regular fires, the fertile topsoil, biodiversity and ecosystems, aqua- along with grasses and shrubs, were culture development, support to the destroyed, and the number of fauna and development of organic (environmen- flora species declined sharply. tally sound) agriculture and strength- ening of institutional capacity. Within 13.3.1 Extent to which (i) global citizen- the framework of the Joint Action Plan, ship education and (ii) education for it is planned to establish a Working sustainable development (including Group and implement measures on the climate change education) are main- sub-activities of the Action Plan in the streamed in (a) national education poli- coming years. cies; (b) curricula; (c) teacher education; and (d) student assessment. Relevant working groups have been instructed to include the issues related

108 Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan PROGRESS IN THEMATIC GOALS 5

Goal 16 Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.

This Goals is aimed at significantly re- In addition to ensuring the continuity of ducing all forms of violence and related activities related to incorporating inter- death rates everywhere, ending abuse, national standards, the Plan also pro- exploitation, trafficking and torture of motes education and awareness-rais- children, providing legal identity for all, ing, incorporates activities related including birth registration, substantially to the detection and identification of reducing corruption and bribery in all victims of domestic violence, providing their forms, significantly reducing illicit assistance to these victims in line with financial and arms flows, and promoting modern standards, and includes mea- non-discriminatory laws and policies. sures on the formulation of an effective protection system. 16.1. Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates In accordance with the Law of the Re- everywhere. public of Azerbaijan on Social Services, Presidential Decree No. 2307 of No- a support center for victims of domestic vember 27, 2020 approved the “2020- violence (children) was established, 2023 National Action Plan to Combat which is based on the award of public Domestic Violence in the Republic of orders in the field of social services Azerbaijan”. to municipalities, individuals and legal entities, including non-governmental The main goal of the Plan is to bring organizations; social, psychological, domestic violence prevention measures and legal support services were pro- in line with international standards, vided to 125 child victims of domestic to provide families with timely and violence in 12 districts and cities (Sheki, comprehensive assistance in order to Zagatala, Gabala, Agsu, Ismayilli, Khizi, strengthen them, and to implement and Shabran, Shamakhi, Guba, Gusar, Go- increase the effectiveness of measures bustan, Absheron) that are under the stipulated in the regulations in the field jurisdiction of the Sumgayit City Court of domestic violence prevention. of Appeal.

Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan 109 PROGRESS IN 5 THEMATIC GOALS

To prevent domestic violence, as well 16.1.1 Number of victims of intentional as early marriages, the Ministry of In- homicide per 100,000 population, by ternal Affairs pays special attention to sex and age. the organization of explanatory and le- The number of victims of international gal awareness events among the pop- homicide decreased from 211 in 2015 ulation, as well as students of general to 168 in 2019. During the period under educational institutions; thus, it has review, the share of homicides in the organized awareness raising events structure of crimes registered within the at various educational institutions and main types of crimes decreased from children’s and youth organizations on 0.8% to 0.6%. The number of intentional “Legal liability for and psychological homicides per 100,000 population de- aspects of early marriages”, “Family creased from 2.4 in 2015 to 1.7 in 2019, values and legislation”, “Family is un- including from 3.2 to 2.2 for men and der the special protection of the state” from 1.5 to 1.2 for women. etc. 16.2. End abuse, exploitation, traffick- In 2020, the registry offices of the ing and all forms of violence against Ministry of Justice informed more than and torture of children. 60 young people of very early mar- riage age about the adverse effects of In 2019, Azerbaijan ratified the Council of early marriage, as well as consanguine Europe Convention on the Protection of marriage on life and health, quality of Children Against Sexual Exploitation and life, emotional and psychological devel- Sexual Abuse. Relevant draft laws have opment, as well as held more than 50 since been prepared by the Ministry of awareness-raising events to prevent Justice and submitted to the Cabinet of early marriage. Ministers for the implementation of the Convention. In 2020, the “2020-2030 Child Strategy of the Republic of Azer-

Figure 35. Number of victims of intentional homicide per 100,000 population, by sex

4 3,2

3 2,7

3 2,4 2,2 2,2 2,0 2,0 2 1,8 1,7 1,7 1,5 1,5 1,4 2 1,3 1,2

1

1

0 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

total men women

Source: SSC

110 Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan PROGRESS IN THEMATIC GOALS 5

baijan” was approved by the Presidential 16.2.2 Number of victims of human traf- Decree. The main goal of the Strategy is ficking per 100,000 population, by sex, to bring the child protection system into age and form of exploitation full compliance with the requirements The full purpose of the National Action of the Constitution and the principles of Plan to Combat Trafficking in Human the UN Convention on the Rights of the Beings is to ensure the continuity of ac- Child, to create equal opportunities for all tivities that protect individuals and soci- children, to protect their best interests, to ety from all forms of human trafficking, more effectively protect the rights of chil- in particular to prevent the exploitation dren in need of State care and to provide of women, children and other vulner- them with social support services in line able groups, to identify and eliminate with modern requirements. the causes of human trafficking, the conditions conducive to human traffick- The Strategy determines the priorities ing, to reduce the risk of persons falling for improving the legal framework and victim to human trafficking, to identify institutional structure of child protec- and ensure the social protection of tion, ensuring the development of groups vulnerable to human trafficking, children in early childhood, strength- to detect and prevent all forms of hu- ening the social protection of vulnera- man trafficking, as well as eliminate its ble children, ensuring the cultural and consequences, to ensure the protection aesthetic education of children and of victims of trafficking, the restoration their participation in cultural events, and of their rights and social rehabilitation, improving the system of monitoring and to create the necessary conditions to evaluation of the status of implementa- improve the living standards of victims tion of children’s rights. and potential victims of human traf- ficking, and to identify citizens of the In addition, the “2020-2024 National Republic of Azerbaijan who have been Action Plan to Combat Trafficking in trafficked abroad. Human Beings in the Republic of Azer- baijan” includes activities that strength- While the number of victims of human en measures preventing child marriage, trafficking per 100,000 population increase the accessibility of education increased during 2015-2017, there has for victims, likely victims or potential vic- been a downward trend in the following tims of human trafficking, and continue years. That is, during 2015-2017, the the monitoring of children’s absentee- number of victims of human traffick- ism from education and child neglect. ing per 100,000 population increased Activities also relate to the provision of from 2.7 to 3.6, and in 2018 and 2019, individual preventive care, working with it decreased to 3.1 and 0.9, respective- children avoiding education and those ly. Compared to 2015, this figure de- in conflict with the law, and aware- creased from 5.2 to 1.7 for women and ness-raising among entrepreneurs and from 0.2 to 0.1 for men in 2019. employers in order to prevent child labour abuse, etc.

Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan 111 PROGRESS IN 5 THEMATIC GOALS

Figure 36. Number of victims of human trafficking per 100,000 population, by sex

7 6,3 6,0 6 5,6 5,2 5

4 3,6 3,0 3,1 3 2,7

2 1,7

0,9 1 0,8 0,2 0,2 0,1 0,1 0 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Source: SSC total men women

In accordance with the “Rules for the and districts of the country on combat- Social Rehabilitation of Victims of Human ing human trafficking and forced labor. Trafficking” approved by the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan, These events involved law enforcement the Center for Assistance to Victims of officers, representatives of local exec- Human Trafficking provided social, psy- utive authorities and juvenile commis- chological and legal services to 85 vic- sions, health workers, entrepreneurs, tims of human trafficking in 2019 and 10 representatives of transport, education, victims in 2020, as well as provided guid- social protection, employment centers, ance for their treatment, employment, civil society and the media; the over and acquisition of a certain profession. 10,000 booklets have been distributed.

In 2019, the Ministry of Labour and So- Additionally, in 2019, events were held at cial Protection held interactive informa- the juvenile detention facility of the Pen- tion sessions for students in a number itentiary Service in order to raise aware- of vocational schools and lyceums, on ness with juveniles on how to avoid the types of human trafficking, on how becoming a victim of human trafficking. people become victims of human traf- ficking, as well as on ways of combating With the cooperation and support of a human trafficking; relevant educational special police agency, a public aware- booklets and brochures were distribut- ness campaign was held in Baku for the ed at the events. broader public. Educational videos and more than 100,000 awareness materi- In addition, the Ministry of Internal als in Azerbaijani, English and Russian Affairs and the Ministry of Education were distributed, and programmes organized joint awareness-raising dedicated to human trafficking were workshops in secondary, vocational and prepared and aired by various TV and higher education institutions in 55 cities radio stations and video portals.

112 Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan PROGRESS IN THEMATIC GOALS 5

16.3. Promote the rule of law at the ensuring transparency and efficiency, national and international levels and increasing the effectiveness of control ensure equal access to justice for all. over the enforcement of court deci- Within the framework of judicial and sions, and ensuring documentation is legal reforms carried out in the coun- efficiently processed, both clerically try within the past period, a number of and digitally. important measures have been taken to promote the sustainable development The information system enables the of the justice and judicial system. digital preparation, submission and receipt of applications, complaints and In connection with the implementa- other documents, the efficient regis- tion of the Presidential Decree “On tration and processing of documents, deepening reforms in the judicial-legal the generation of automated digitized system”, the operation of new regional spreadsheets regarding times and commercial and administrative courts dates of court proceedings, digital de- were organized, and the construction of livery of information to persons partici- new administrative buildings equipped pating in court proceedings (electronic wit high technologies for several district cabinet, e-mail and SMS notification), courts was completed with a view to and allowing participants to attend the modernizing the judicial infrastructure. court hearings remotely. In order to en- sure public access to justice during the In addition, work continued on the COVID-19 pandemic, court proceedings development of the “Electronic Court” for civil and commercial cases were information system. Under an agreement conducted via video conference. signed with the World Bank on 16 June 2020, necessary measures were tak- Under the Law of 25 June, 2020, sig- en to introduce “Electronic Court” and nificant amendments were made to “Electronic enforcement” throughout the the Code of Criminal Procedure on country, and the further modernization of conducting criminal proceedings elec- the e-justice system, including “artificial tronically and conducting proceedings intelligence”, “intellectual governance”, through the “Electronic Court” informa- “predictive justice” and other innova- tion system using video conferencing. tions were put in place. Under the Presi- The Ministry put in place the required dential Decree dated 1 June 1, 2020, the measures for the application of a video “Regulations on the Electronic Court In- conferencing system in criminal pro- formation System” were also approved. ceedings, and the system has been used in the courts since July 2020. The information system is designed Moreover, the accession of the Republic to effectively protect human and civil of Azerbaijan to the Second Additional rights and freedoms, expanding access Protocol to the European Convention to justice, increasing the efficiency and on Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters, transparency of justice, preventing which provides for the application of procrastination and abuse of power, videoconferencing in the interroga-

Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan 113 PROGRESS IN 5 THEMATIC GOALS

Table 2: Cases of violence, % 2019 Proportion of violence victims 23.3 men 14.8 women 8.5 Physical violence 22.5 men 14.7 women 7.7 Sexual violence 0.8 men 0.1 women 0.8 Source: SSC tion of persons in connection with the The proportion of unsentenced detain- provision of mutual legal assistance, is ees in total number of prison population currently under consideration. in 2019 decreased by 1.7 percentage points compared to 2016 and amount- Representatives of relevant government ed to 11.6 percent. agencies have participated in numer- ous international trainings, workshops 16.5. Substantially reduce corruption and other events that contribute to the and bribery in all their forms. capacity building of local staff and the Presidential Decree No. 1859 of Feb- study of international experience. ruary 27, 2020 approved the “2020- 2022 National Action Plan for Promo- 16.3.1 Proportion of victims of violence tion of Open Government”. The main in the previous 12 months who report- factors that necessitated the adoption ed their victimization to competent au- of the National Action Plan were: fur- thorities or other officially recognized ther expansion of application of the conflict resolution mechanisms. principles of openness, transparency and accountability; increasing financial In 2019, the proportion of victims of transparency; increasing the means violence reporting their victimization for ensuring of access to information; amounted to 23.3%, of which 22.5% support for civil society institutions and was related to physical violence and strengthening public control, sustain- 0.9% to sexual violence. While most ability of measures to promote open incidents were reported by men, most government is to provide. incidents of sexual violence were re- ported by women. The Plan includes measures to be taken to prevent corruption and strengthen 16.3.2 Unsentenced detainees as a transparency in the activities of state proportion of overall prison population

114 Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan PROGRESS IN THEMATIC GOALS 5

Figure 37. Unsentenced detainees as a proportion of overall prison population, %

14 13,3 11,9 12 11,6 10,2 10

8

6

4

2

0 2016 2017 2018 2019

Series 1 Source: SSC agencies, ensure financial transparency, faceted activities to expand coopera- legalization of criminally obtained funds tion with international organizations on or other property and financing of ter- anti-corruption, in particular the Coun- rorism, improve public services, expand cil of Europe Group of States against the activities of civil society members, Corruption (GRECO), the Conference enhance public oversight and public of States Parties to the UN Convention participation, increase participation, against Corruption (UNCAC), the United ensure access to information, ensure Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UN- accountability, transparency and public ODC), the Organization for Economic participation in local self-governance, Cooperation and Development (OECD), increase transparency and accountabil- the International Anti-Corruption Acade- ity in the private sector, and increase my (IACA), the OSCE and others. transparency, accountability and cus- tomer satisfaction in public utilities. The OECD Anti-Corruption Network (ACN) assessed the anti-corruption At the meeting of the Anti-Corruption legislation of Azerbaijan and the level Commission of the Republic of Azer- of implementation as satisfactory, and baijan held on September 15, 2020, it the activity of the “ASAN” service cen- was decided to develop a draft “Na- tres was described as commendable. tional Action Plan for Strengthening the During the reporting period, articles Fight against Corruption in 2021-2025”. covering various aspects of the activi- Together with the Prosecutor General’s ties of the General Anti-Corruption De- Office, a draft law has already been pre- partment were prepared and published pared and submitted to the Anti-Cor- on press outlets. In March 2021, the ruption Commission of the Republic of General Anti-Corruption Department Azerbaijan. published a guidance note on “Anti-cor- ruption standards in the private sector” Furthermore, Azerbaijan continues to to support the development of the busi- implement comprehensive and multi- ness environment in Azerbaijan.

Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan 115 PROGRESS IN 5 THEMATIC GOALS

During the reporting period, as part of were applications/complaints, 4,661 the measures put in place to prevent (3,849 in 2019) were appeals received corruption and strengthen transparen- through the “161 Hotline” call center. cy, draft amendments to a number of legislative acts related to the provision In 2019, the General Department con- of financial information by officials were sidered 317 appeals and other reports prepared and submitted to the Cabinet as materials of criminal nature, and of Ministers. In addition, the Cabinet criminal proceedings were initiated on of Ministers issued a Resolution on 21 231 materials (72.9%) under various October, 2020, “On some measures to articles of the Criminal Code, and a ensure the periodic risk assessment of decision was made to refuse to initi- the system of combating legalization ate criminal proceedings on 86 (27.1%) of criminally obtained funds or other materials, upon which other measures property and financing of terrorism stipulated by the legislation were taken. (AML/CFT), arrange preparation for the assessment to be carried out in the In 2020, the General Department relevant field, and establish a coordina- considered 250 appeals and other tion mechanism with this purpose”. In reports as materials of criminal nature, line with this Resolution, a Coordination and criminal proceedings were initiated Council was established to ensure that on 205 materials (82%) under various national risk assessments are conduct- articles of the Criminal Code, and a ed periodically. decision was made to refuse to initi- ate criminal proceedings on 43 (17.2%) The General Anti-Corruption Department materials, and 2 (0.8%) appeals were under the Prosecutor General of the attached to criminal cases. Republic of Azerbaijan received 9,177 (8,447 in 2019) appeals from citizens 16.5.1 Proportion of businesses that in 2020, of which 4,516 (4,598 in 2019) had at least one contact with a public

Figure 38. Proportion of businesses that had at least one contact with a public official and that paid a bribe to a public official, or were asked for a bribe by those public officials during the previous 12 months, %

1,6 1,47

1,2 1,09

0,8

0,52 0,43 0,38 0,4

0 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Source: SSC faiz

116 Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan PROGRESS IN THEMATIC GOALS 5

Figure 39. Primary government expenditures as a proportion of original approved budget, by sector, %

120

98,1 98,4 100 96,0 97 84,3 80

60

40

20

0 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Source: SSC faiz

official and that paid a bribe to a public 16.9. By 2030, provide legal identity for official, or were asked for a bribe by all, including birth registration. those public officials during the previ- 16.9.1 Proportion of children under 5 ous 12 months. years of age whose births have been A 1.09% increase was recorded in this registered with a civil authority, by age. indicator in 2019 compared to 2015, Proportion of children under 5 years of with the proportion of reported cases age whose births have been registered reaching 1.47%, compared to 2015. with a civil authority amounted to 100 percent in 2015-2019. 16.6. Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels. 16.10. Ensure public access to infor- 16.6.1 Primary government expendi- mation and protect fundamental free- tures as a proportion of original ap- doms, in accordance with national leg- proved budget, by sector islation and international agreements. The proportion of the primary govern- The operation, free of charge, of a ment expenditures in the original ap- unified online database of regulatory proved budget expenditures increased acts (www.e-qanun.az) and the State by 12.7 percentage points, from 84.3 Register of Legal Acts (www.hüquqiakt- percent in 2015 to 97.0 percent in 2019. lar.gov.az), which are open to the public The volume of executed state budget and regularly updated by the Ministry expenditures in 2019 amounted to 24.4 of Justice, continued throughout the billion AZN, which is 37.3 percent more period under review. than 17.8 billion AZN in 2015. Besides, the volume of approved state budget To protect the property rights of citizens expenditures in 2019 (25.1 billion AZN) and increase access to information on was 19.4 percent more than in 2015 (21.1 related legal services, the Ministry of billion AZN). Justice put in place a number of dig-

Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan 117 PROGRESS IN 5 THEMATIC GOALS

ital services. Through these services, the Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan citizens can obtain real-time informa- on Mass Media. tion on property alienation, inheritance, awards of power of attorney and oth- Moreover, the Office of the Ombuds- er operations. Interactive consulting man established a department to pro- services, used to obtain information, tect the right to information. The Office provide prompt answers to citizens’ of the Ombudsman is responsible for questions. ensuring the right to information, and considers and responds to appeals re- These databases have been visited ceived in connection with the violation 2.25 million times. To further improve of the right to information; promotes these resources, a database of legisla- and advocates for the right to informa- tion in line with modern requirements tion; conducts awareness-raising activ- was launched in March 2021. ities on the legal aspects of the right to information; conducts monitoring and 16.10.2 Existence of constitutional, analysis in this area; and implement ac- statutory and/or policy guarantees that tivities in other areas related to the right have been adopted and are implement- to information. ed for public access to information. Article 47 of the Constitution of the During the COVID-19 pandemic, the ho- Republic of Azerbaijan guarantees free- tlines of the Commissioner for Human dom of opinion and speech to every- Rights (Ombudsman) of the Republic one. In addition, according to Article 50 of Azerbaijan in one centre and using of the Constitution, everyone is free to modern information technologies, a uni- legally seek, receive, impart, produce, fied 916 Call Centre was established to and disseminate any information. That ensure the effectiveness of the appeals is, the legal grounds for ensuring the of individuals. The Center received right to information, established by Arti- appeals on a 24/7 basis, recorded the cle 50 of the Constitution, on the basis conversations and entered them into of the principles of an open society and an electronic database, which, unlike a democratic state governed by the rule the previous period, allowed them to be of law are enshrined in the Law of the promptly investigated by eliminating the Republic of Azerbaijan on Access to requirement for a written application. Information. Additionally, public awareness raising activities were carried out and a social The general rules in seeking, access- video was prepared in this regard. ing, preparing, submitting, producing and disseminating mass information, 16.a. Strengthen relevant national insti- as well as the organizational, legal and tutions, including through international economic grounds of the media, which cooperation, for building capacity at all ensure citizens’ right to full, accurate levels, in particular in developing coun- and timely information, are regulated by tries, to prevent violence and combat terrorism and crime.

118 Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan PROGRESS IN THEMATIC GOALS 5

16.a.1 Existence of independent nation- Republic of Azerbaijan dated June 18, al human rights institutions in compli- 1998 envisaged the establishment of ance with the Paris Principles the institution of the Commissioner for Following the adoption of the Constitu- Human Rights. tion of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the country rebuilt the system of institution- On December 28, 2001, the Milli Majlis al mechanisms for implementation of (Parliament) of the Republic of Azer- democratic, legal reforms and effective baijan adopted the Constitutional Law ensuring of human rights in this area. “On the Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of the Republic Determining the ensuring of human of Azerbaijan”, and on March 5, 2002, rights in the Republic of Azerbaijan the President signed a Decree on the as a national task, the establishment enforcement of this Law, thereby creat- of the institution of the Commission- ing the legal basis for the establishment er for Human Rights for the first time and operation of this institution. was envisaged in the Decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan The first Ombudsman of the Republic dated February 22, 1998 on measures of Azerbaijan was elected by the Milli to ensure human and civil rights and Majlis on July 2, 2002 by 111 votes (out freedoms. Also, the “State Program on of 112 votes) from among three candi- Protection of Human Rights” approved dates nominated by the President of by the Decree of the President of the the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan 119 PROGRESS IN 5 THEMATIC GOALS

Goal 17 Revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development.

SDG 17 is aimed at enhancing macro- 17.1. Strengthen domestic resource economic stability, assisting developing mobilization, including through interna- countries in attaining long-term debt tional support to developing countries, sustainability, addressing the external to improve domestic capacity for tax debt of highly indebted poor countries, and other revenue collection. doubling the least developed coun- 17.1.1 Total government revenue as a tries’ share of global exports, facilitating proportion of GDP, by source. market access, developing the science, technology and innovation capacity, The proportion of state budget reve- and increasing significantly the avail- nues in GDP decreased from 32.2% in ability of high-quality, timely and reliable 2015 to 29.8% in 2019. Realized state data disaggregated by income, gender, budget revenues increased by 39.4% age, race, ethnicity, migratory status, in 2019 compared to 2015 amounting disability, geographic location and other to AZN 24.4 billion in 2019. 48.2% (AZN characteristics relevant in national con- 11,755.0 million) of these revenues were texts for these countries. tax revenues and 51.8% (AZN 12.6 bil- lion) were other revenues.

Figure 40. Total government revenue as a proportion of GDP, % 35 32,2 29,0 29,8 30 28,1

25 23,5

20

15

10

5

0 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

percent Source: SSC

120 Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan PROGRESS IN THEMATIC GOALS 5

Figure 41. Proportion of domestic budget funded by domestic taxes, %

60 56,6 50,2 51,6 50 47,0 48,2

40

30

20

10

0 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

percent

Source: SSC

17.1.2 Proportion of domestic budget for value added tax, AZN 854.7 million funded by domestic taxes. (3.5%) for excise tax, AZN 133.8 million During 2015-2019, the proportion of tax- (0.6%) for mining tax, AZN 1.3 billion es in state budget revenues decreased (5.5%) for taxes related to foreign eco- by 2% , from 50.2% to 48.2%. However, nomic activity, AZN 358.6 million (1.5%) the volume of tax revenues of the state for simplified taxes, and AZN 118.9 mil- budget increased from AZN 8.8 billion lion (0.5%) for road tax. in 2015 to AZN 11.8 billion in 2019. Last year, the volume of tax revenues of the 17.3 Mobilize additional financial re- state budget amounted to AZN 952.1 sources for developing countries from million (3.9%) for personal income tax, multiple sources. AZN 2,5 billion AZN (10.4%) for corpo- 17.3.2 Volume of remittances (in United rate income tax, AZN 50.0 million (0.2%) States dollars) as a proportion of total for land tax, AZN 212.6 million (0.9% GDP. for property tax, AZN 5.2 billion (21.2%)

Figure 42. Volume of remittances (in United States dollars) as a proportion of total GDP, % 3 2,5 2,2 2,3 2 1,9 1,5

1

0 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

percent Source: SSC

Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan 121 PROGRESS IN 5 THEMATIC GOALS

Compared to 2015, the volume of re- ed Nations level, and through a global mittances as a proportion of total GDP technology facilitation mechanism. decreased by 0.3 percentage points, The Azerbaijan Digital Hub project from 2.2% to 1.9% in 2019 . is being implemented with a view to developing telecommunication infra- 17.4. Assist developing countries in structure in Azerbaijan in line with world attaining long-term debt sustainability standards, eliminating dependence on through coordinated policies aimed the Internet from other countries, build- at fostering debt financing, debt relief ing a Digital Silk Way on the historic Silk and debt restructuring, as appropriate, Road between Europe and Asia, mak- and address the external debt of high- ing the country a major Internet provid- ly indebted poor countries to reduce er in the region, an Internet sharing hub debt distress. and exporter of digital services. The 17.4.1 Debt service as a proportion of project envisages the construction of exports of goods and services. fiber-optic cable lines along the bottom Compared to 2015, the debt service as of the Caspian Sea on the routes Azer- a proportion of exports of goods and baijan-Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan-Turk- services increased by 0.4 percentage menistan. For this purpose, agreements points, from 3.4% to 3.8% in 2019. Over- have been signed with the Republic of all, this indicator showed a fluctuating Turkmenistan and the Republic of Ka- trend in 2015-2019. zakhstan respectively. A groundbreak- ing ceremony was held in 2019 to begin construction of a 400-kilometre long 17.6. Enhance North-South, South-South fiber-optic communication line along and triangular regional and interna- the bottom of the Caspian Sea. The tional cooperation on and access to cable line for the Kazakhstan route will science, technology and innovation and allow data transmission with a speed of enhance knowledge-sharing on mutu- at least 4-6 Tbit/s, and of 2-3 Tbit/s for ally agreed terms, including through the Turkmenistan route. improved coordination among existing mechanisms, in particular at the Unit-

Figure 43. Debt service as a proportion of exports of goods and services, %

7 6,3 6 5,2 5 4,4 3,8 4 3,4 3 2 1 0 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

percent

Source: SSC

122 Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan PROGRESS IN THEMATIC GOALS 5

Under the Hub project, and in accor- 17.8. Fully operationalize the technolo- dance with the agreements signed gy bank and science, technology and between AzerTelecom and Azerbaijan innovation capacity building mecha- Railways CJSC, durable main fiber-optic nism for least developed countries by cable lines are currently being installed 2017 and enhance the use of enabling along the existing railway protection strip. technology, in particular information The installation of these fiber-optic cable and communications technology. lines along the railways will strengthen According to the Ministry of Transport, the country’s digital infrastructure, pro- Communications and High Technolo- viding a new sustainable infrastructure gies (MTCHT), one of the main goals across the country and durable broad- of the 2014-2020 National Strategy for band fiber-optic cable connections with the Development of Information Soci- neighbouring countries, including Russia, ety in the Republic of Azerbaijan is to Georgia, Turkey and Iran (North-South, provide the population with secure and East-West); these infrastructures will high quality access to communication intersect in Azerbaijan. services through the expansion of the country’s communication and broad- 17.6.1 Fixed Internet broadband subscrip- band service infrastructure and mod- tions per 100 inhabitants, by speed. ernization thereof on the basis of new Compared to 2015, the number of fixed technologies. Furthermore, the follow- broadband subscriptions per 100 in- ing activities have been carried out in habitants increased by 3.3 percentage accordance with the 2016-2020 State points to reach 8.8 percent in 2019. The Programme for the Implementation of dynamics shows an ongoing increase the National Strategy for the Develop- in the number of fixed broadband sub- ment of the Information Society and the scriptions in the country. Specifically, the Strategic Roadmap for the Develop- number of fixed broadband subscrip- ment of Telecommunications and Infor- tions increased 16 times during 2010- mation Technologies: 2019 and amounted to 866,438 in 2019.

Figure 44. Fixed Internet broadband subscriptions per 100 inhabitants

10 8,8

8 7,7 6,4 6 5,5 5,6

4

2

0 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

nəfər Source: SSC

Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan 123 PROGRESS IN 5 THEMATIC GOALS

- With view to expanding the cover- - With the aim of introducing sectoral age of LTE, relevant draft regulations innovations, implementing projects, have been prepared to make the modernizing infrastructure and im- necessary amendments to existing proving the quality of services and legislation in order to form legal developing the regions in this re- grounds for the regulation of a trans- gard, the Ministry has invested 124.7 parent and efficient national frequen- million AZN in 2019-2020; cy distribution. In addition, with the - As part of the continuing measures purpose of achieving the goals set for development of broadband ser- out in the Strategic Roadmap and vices and the expansion of the ap- to use frequency channels in accor- plication geography thereof, the port dance with international practice, capacity of the Internet network in proposals have been prepared and Baku was increased by 151,685 num- submitted for approval to the State bers and the number of subscribers Commission on Radio Frequencies by 31,694 people by the end of 2019; regarding the transfer of TV broad- and the Internet installation capacity casting equipment operating on in the regions rose to 555,316 units frequency channels intended for following an increase of 111,232 ports the application of LTE technology to in 2020, while the number of sub- low-frequency channels; scribers rose to 444,539 following an - The following plans related to the increase of 66,880; provision of high-speed Internet in - Work has continued to provide unin- the country by the regulatory body terrupted and high-quality telecom- have been approved by the relevant munications services through the orders of the MTCHT and sent to the application of GPON (gigabit passive relevant communications institutions optical network) technology, which for implementation: “2019-2020 Ac- allows providing high-speed Internet tion Plan for the provision of broad- to apartments in Baku; band high-speed mobile telecom- munications services in the territory - Besides GPON technology, the of the country”, “Framework plan for project implementation continued in the development of the telecommu- order to provide modern telecom- nications sector in Azerbaijan”, “The munications services through LTE three-year transition plan covering technology, which provides wireless the measures to be taken in frames high-speed Internet service to citi- of reforms in the field of telecommu- zens in the network of the capital; nications, the action plan on these within this framework, 267 LTE eNB measures and the establishment of devices were installed in Baku and an independent regulatory body for surrounding areas, technical capacity the implementation of regulatory was built to provide communication functions in the telecommunications services to 20,000 subscribers, and sector”; the number of subscribers reached 8,513;

124 Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan PROGRESS IN THEMATIC GOALS 5

- 23 modern EATSs with a total capac- In 2019, 69.8 percent accessed the In- ity of 4,848 numbers were installed ternet in their houses (apartments), 2.7 in the service area of the telecom- percent in Internet clubs, 17.3 percent in munication junctions of Agdash, workplaces, 7.1 percent in educational Aghdam, Aghstafa, Tovuz, Bilasuvar, institutions, 0.6% in libraries, and 2.5 Gazakh, Gusar, Shirvan, Khachmaz, percent in other places. On average, Mingachevir, Siyazan, Saatli, Zardab, the proportion of daily Internet users Gakh, Gabala, Shamakhi, Shamkir in the total number of Internet users is and Salyan regions; 82.0 percent. - A project to build a DWDM/MPLS5 network on the regional telephone Currently, 39.9 percent of Internet users network is being implemented. are young people under the age of 24, 25.8 percent are aged between 25 to 25, and 34.2 percent are aged between 17.8.1 Proportion of individuals using the 36 to 62. The proportion of users over Internet. the age of 64 is 0.1 percent. Compared to 2015, the proportion of individuals using the Internet increased 17.9. Enhance international support for by 4.1 percentage points, from 77.0 per- implementing effective and targeted cent to 81.1 percent in 2019. In 2019, the capacity building in developing coun- total number of population using the tries to support national plans to imple- Internet was 8,112.8 thousand people, ment all the Sustainable Development of which 52.2 percent were men, and Goals, including through North South, 47.8 percent were women. The highest South-South and triangular coopera- level of the indicator was registered tion. in Baku (91.7%), and the lowest level in 17.9.1 Dollar value of financial and the Upper Karabakh economic region technical assistance (including through (74.8%). The indicator was 85.9 percent North-South, South‑South and triangu- in urban areas and 74.6 percent in rural lar cooperation) committed to develop- areas in 2019. ing countries.

Figure 45. Proportion of individuals using the Internet, % 100

79,8 81,1 77,0 78,0 79,0 80

60

40

20

0 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Source: SSC

5 DWDM- Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexers; MPLS- Multiprotocol Label Switching. 125 PROGRESS IN 5 THEMATIC GOALS

According to the Azerbaijan Interna- and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), tional Development Agency, the total the United Nations Relief and Works amount of aid provided by the Republic Agency for Palestine Refugees in the of Azerbaijan in North-South (including Near East (UNRWA), and the Islamic Western countries), South-South and tri- Development Bank, for doctors from lateral cooperation in dollars increased Benin, Burkina Faso, Djibouti, Chad, by 70.4 percent, from 3,410,747 USD to Ivory Coast, Cameroon, the Comoros, USD 5,813,408 in 2015-2019. Overall, Guinea, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Senegal the total amount of assistance provid- and Togo. ed by the Republic of Azerbaijan in the framework of trilateral cooperation in Assistance was also provided in sup- 2015-2019 amounted to 13.9 million port of the Rohingya Muslims in Myan- USD. mar, thereby strengthening Islamic soli- darity, and humanitarian assistance was Humanitarian aid sent to Australia to help address the Assistance provided for humanitarian serious consequences of forest fires. aid by the Republic of Azerbaijan in 2020 was mainly to support the fight Provision of technical/financial against the COVID-19 pandemic. During assistance the period under review, humanitarian, Earlier this year, financial assistance financial and other technical assistance was provided to Lebanon to deal with was provided to 33 countries on a bi- the aftermath of the strong explosion in lateral and multilateral basis, with AIDA Beirut; aids were provided to address either directly involved or acting as a the serious socioeconomic challenges coordinator. posed by the Ebola epidemic in the Additionally, an online workshop on Democratic Republic of Congo and in combating the COVID-19 pandemic the region in response to the African was jointly organized with the WHO, Union’s request; and our embassy in the Islamic World Educational, Scientific Mexico provided assistance for dealing

Figure 46. Dollar value of financial and technical assistance (including through North-South, South‑South and triangular cooperation) committed to developing countries

2019 5813408

2018 1085954

2017 1337208

2016 2265700

2015 3410747

0 1000000 2000000 3000000 4000000 5000000 6000000 7000000

USD

Source: SSC

126 Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan PROGRESS IN THEMATIC GOALS 5

with the consequences of the floods in study at higher education institutions in the Mexican states of Chiapas and Ta- the Republic of Azerbaijan. basco, and to the poor groups in Bogo- In 2020, online training was organized ta, Colombia. Azerbaijan has donated to for diplomats from Benin, Burkina Faso, the following organizations: United Na- Djibouti, Cameroon, Gambia, Ghana, tions Environment Programme (UNEP); Guinea and Madagascar as part of Aarhus Convention on Environmental AIDA’s ADA University Foreign Policy Matters; Helsinki Convention for the Programme. Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes; 17.11. Significantly increase the exports Vienna Convention for the Protection of developing countries, in particular of the Ozone Layer; European Conven- with a view to doubling the least devel- tion on Transboundary Environmental oped countries’ share of global exports Impact Assessment; Anti-Corruption by 2020. Network for Eastern Europe and Central 17.11.1 Azerbaijan’s share of global ex- Asia (for securing stable operation of ports. the network); the Organization for Eco- nomic Co-operation and Development; Compared to 2015, the Azerbaijan’s the UN High Commissioner for Human share of global exports in 2019 in- Rights; the Trust Fund for the Office of creased by 0.02 percentage points, the President of the 75th Session of the from 0.08% to 0.10%. UN General Assembly; the Internation- al Committee of the Red Cross; Global In 2019, the volume of exports Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and amounted to USD19.6 billion, which Malaria. is USD146,134.6 thousand more than in 2018. In the commodity structure of In the area of Education exports,minerals accounted for 90.9%; With regard to assistance for educa- crop products - 3.2%; base metals and tion, in December, 2017 and 10 January, articles thereof - 1.2%; precious stones 2018, scholarships were awarded to and metals and articles thereof - 0.9%; 40 students from the Member States plastic mass, caoutchouc, rubber and of Organization of Islamic Coopera- articles thereof - 0.9%, and other com- tion and the Non-Aligned Movement modities 2.9%. 60.2% of the export (Bangladesh, Djibouti, Chad, Ethiopia, volume went to Europe, 38.3% to Asia, Afghanistan, Algeria, Palestine, Phil- 0.9% to the United States 0.4% to Afri- ippines, Indonesia, Jordan, Gambia, ca, and 0.2% to Oceania. Ghana, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Liberia, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Mauri- 17.18. By 2020, enhance capacity-build- tania, Morocco, Central African Repub- ing support to developing countries, lic, Myanmar, Niger, Uzbekistan, Peru, including for least developed countries Saint Kitts and Nevis, Somalia, Sudan, and small island developing States, to Suriname, Tajikistan, Thailand, Tanza- increase significantly the availability of nia, Yemen, Zambia) to enable them to high-quality, timely and reliable data

Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan 127 PROGRESS IN 5 THEMATIC GOALS

Figure 47. Azerbaijan’s share of global exports, % 0,10 0,10 0,1 0,09 0,08 0,08

0,0 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

faiz Source: SSC

disaggregated by income, gender, age, cial statistical data on the social, eco- race, ethnicity, migratory status, dis- nomic, demographic and environmental ability, geographic location and other situation in the country, organizes its characteristics relevant in national activities in accordance with the Statis- contexts. tical Works Programme, approved by 17.18.2 Availability of national statistical the Cabinet of Ministers. The activies legislation complying with Fundamental are also coordinated with the method- Principles of Official Statistics.6 ological and work plans of data users, the quarterly work plans on economic The national legislation on official sta- analysis and the State Programme on tistics consists of the Constitution of the the development of official statistics in Republic of Azerbaijan, other legislative the Republic of Azerbaijan. acts of the Republic of Azerbaijan and international agreements to which the The sixth State Program on the de- Republic of Azerbaijan is a party. The velopment of official statistics in the Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan on Republic of Azerbaijan in 2018-2025 Official Statistics (Law No. 789, dated 18 was approved by Decree no. 3672 of February 1994) reflects the Fundamen- 14 February 2018. The main goal of tal Principles of Official Statistics and the State Program is to develop official regulates legal relations in the field of statistics through the implementation of official statistics and defines the powers comprehensive measures to improve and functions of state statistical bodies. the statistical work in accordance with the ongoing socio-economic processes 17.18.3 Availability of a national statisti- and modern challenges in the country cal plan that is fully funded and under and internationally. These measures implementation. include: organizing statistical observa- The State Statistical Committee of the tions and developing methodologies Republic of Azerbaijan, which imple- in social, economic and other areas, ments state policy and regulations in metadata and classifications; legal, the field of statistics and compiles offi- administrative and information support

6 In the UN Global Indicator Framework, indicator 17.18.2 is defined as “Number of countries that have national statistical legislation that complies with the Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics”. Application of the indicator at the national level implies the existence of relevant legislation in the field 128 of statistics. PROGRESS IN THEMATIC GOALS 5

to generation of official statistical mate- The last population census in Azerbai- rials; increasing user satisfaction; inter- jan was held in October 2019 in ac- national cooperation; strengthening ma- cordance with the 7 September 2016 terial and technical base and personnel Decree No. 1040 of the President of the capacity. Republic of Azerbaijan on “Conduct of a population census in the Republic of 17.19 By 2030, build on existing ini- Azerbaijan in 2019”. tiatives to develop measurements of progress on sustainable development In accordance with the Resolution of that complement gross domestic the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic product, and support statistical capaci- of Azerbaijan No. 517 of 16 December, ty-building in developing countries. 2016 “On the action plan for the prepa- 17.19.1 The value of all resources allot- ration and conduct of the population ted for capacity building in the field of census in the Republic of Azerbaijan in statistics in USD. 2019”, and the “Calendar plan for the preparation and conduct of the popula- In 2019, 4 million USD was allocated for tion census in the Republic of Azerbai- capacity building in the field of statis- jan in 2019” approved by the Order of tics, which is 68.8% more than in 2015. the State Statistical Committee of the Overall, 14.1 million USD was allocated Republic of Azerbaijan No.01/05s of 17 for capacity building in the field of sta- December, 2017, all the necessary mea- tistics in 2015-2019. sures were taken by the State Statistical Committee and other relevant govern- 17.19.2. Proportion of countries that (a) ment agencies in connection with the have conducted at least one popula- organizational work, preparation and tion and housing census in the last 10 publication of census materials, staff- years; and (b) have achieved 100% birth ing, organization of public awareness registration and 80% death registration work, technical support issues, devel-

Figure 48. The value of all resources allotted for capacity building in the field of statistics in USD

2019 4024888

2018 3466854

2017 2946051

2016 1254798

2015 2385026

0 1000000 2000000 3000000 4000000 5000000

ABŞ dolları Source: SSC

Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan 129 PROGRESS IN 5 THEMATIC GOALS

oping the procedures for conducting on 23 September, 2020, connects local the census and ensuring the receipt of executive authorities and consulates documents. of the Republic of Azerbaijan located overseas to the State Registry of Popu- Close cooperation was maintained with lation, and birth and death certificates international organisations accredit- are issued electronically. ed in Azerbaijan, including UNFPA, UNICEF, UNDP, UNHCR, ILO and IOM, Moreover, to increase the efficiency with regard to the development of in determining the natural population methodological materials for the cen- growth, death registration is carried out sus and the organization of awareness automatically on the basis of informa- campaigns. Census documentation and tion on deaths transmitted by health questionnaires were developed in ac- authorities to the information system of cordance with the Conference of Euro- the Ministry of Justice, without waiting pean Statisticians Recommendations for for a citizen’s request. the 2020 Censuses of Population and Housing, the obligations under “Trans- Since 2019, 100% of both births and forming our World: the 2030 Agenda deaths have been registered. The for Sustainable Development”, and the number of births in 2019 was 141,179, relevant decision of the 57th meeting of of which 68,665 (48.6%) were in ur- the Council of Heads of Statistical Ser- ban areas and 72,514 (51.4%) in rural vices of the CIS member states, chaired areas; 53.2% of the babies born were by Azerbaijan on 31 May, 2017. male (75,160) and 46.8% were female (66,029). The number of deaths was With regard to birth and death regis- 55,916, of which 30,517 (54.6%) were tration, the Decree “On expanding the in urban areas and 25,399 (45.4%) use of electronic services in the field of in rural areas; of these 53.5% were civil registration by state” signed by the men (29,926) and 46.5% were women President of the Republic of Azerbaijan (25,990).

130 Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan PROGRESS IN THEMATIC GOALS 5

Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan 131 CONCLUSION AND WAY FORWARD

implementation of SDG-related activ- Conclusion ities was promoted. Particular atten- he Third Voluntary National tion was paid to raising awareness at Review of Azerbaijan under- all levels, regulating environmental lines the importance of the issues, and enhancing private sec- country’s obligations under- tor’s access to funding for SDGs; taken in connection with the - Special attention was paid to the TSDGs and the timely and adequate im- implementation of awareness-raising plementation of these obligations in line activities at all levels and the orga- with the principle of “leaving no one nization of dialogues with various behind”. Ensuring inclusive and sus- layers of society (Parliament, civil tainable economic growth, building a society, academia and etc.) at the peaceful and inclusive society for all is national and regional levels; one of the key priorities of the Govern- ment of Azerbaijan, and the country has - Efforts to further accelerate the de- manifestly demonstrated its commit- velopment and diversification of the ment to a transition to sustainable de- non-oil sector, strengthen innovation velopment and the alignment of State activity and export capacity, increase programmes and strategies with the the effectiveness of social services SDGs. Azerbaijan’s continued commit- and the green economy were further ment is substantiated by the February strengthened during the reporting 2021 approval of the “Azerbaijan 2030: period; National Priorities for Socio-Economic - Responsive measures have been Development”. taken to address the socio-econom- ic challenges posed by COVID-19 As presented in the report, Azerbaijan by building an effective institutional has made efforts to comply with the system and infrastructure, while also following requirements and recommen- working closely with WHO; dations in achieving the SDGs: - The active involvement of the private For the next stage, Azerbaijan expresses sector and public institutions in the its intent to further strengthen the results

132 Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan CONCLUSION AND WAY FORWARD 5

achieved to date. In order to achieve Achievement of peace in the region SDGs by 2030, the Government of Azer- will make a positive contribution to the baijan also looks forward to the support implementation of the SDGs, especially of international partners in realization SDG 16. of planned activities in the above-men- tioned areas through direct SDG financ- ing mechanism, by sharing international Way forward Azerbaijan sees the implementation best practices, building an effective part- of the SDGs as an opportunity to en- nership, overcoming existing challenges, sure integration and development, and as well as creating platforms of special seeks to adapt policies, strategies and importance for our country. programs implemented at the national and regional levels to the SDGs. The The end of the conflict between Ar- key here is to ensure the effectiveness menia and Azerbaijan creates new and efficiency of policies and measures economic opportunities not only for under implementation. Azerbaijan, but also for the region as a whole. In this respect, the rehabilitation, Preparation of the Strategic Docu- reconstruction and reintegration of its ment on the implementation of the liberated and conflict-affected areas SDGs. As a continuation of “Azerbai- will constitute the key dimension of the jan 2020: Outlook into future” De- development strategy of the Republic velopment Concept and with a view of Azerbaijan in the coming years. A to ensuring implementation of the draft Concept and State Program on the obligations arising from UN’s “Trans- rehabilitation of our liberated territories forming our World: the 2030 Agenda has been prepared. The policy of reha- for Sustainable Development”, the bilitation of the liberated territories and “Azerbaijan 2030: National priorities ensuring of sustainable and balanced for socio-economic development”, ap- development of the regions in our proved by the President of the coun- country is envisaged in the following try on February 2, 2021, is planned to priority areas: be realized in five key directions: i) A - reconstruction and re-integration steadily growing competitive econo- of the territories; my; ii) a dynamic and inclusive society - attraction of private investment; based on social justice; iii) compet- itive human capital and a space for - the demand for local production modern innovations; iv) Great return triggered by the rehabilitation pro- to the liberated territories; v) clean cess and economic growth; environment and a country of ‘green - efficient use of natural resources growth’ It is planned to prepare and and environmental safety; approve a detailed analysis docu- ment and action plan for 2021. - sustainable and balanced devel- opment.

Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan 133 CONCLUSION AND 5 WAY FORWARD

With a view to further improving the - Strengthening the use of alterna- country’s achievements in terms of tive energy sources and protect- the SDGs and increasing sustainabil- ing biodiversity. Ensure govern- ity, the following activities are envis- ment agencies take measures to aged: reduce greenhouse gas emissions in order to fulfill the obligations - Driven by COVID-19 challenges, strengthening health care system arising from the Paris Agreement and enlarging the coverage of on Climate Change; vaccination process. Meanwhile, - Ensure sustainable development recovering the economic activity through the rehabilitation, re- by gradual elimination of manda- construction and reintegration tory lockdowns; of the liberated territories, con- sideration of the SDGs and other - Accelerate economic diversifi- international challenges, resourc- cation and ensure dynamic de- velopment of the non-oil sector es and perspectives; contributing to the implementa- - Improve data collection and tion of SDG. This will be through analysis on sustainable devel- clustering, the formation of a opment, including stengthening favorable business environment, capacity for analysis and generat- development of a national innova- ing detailed disaggregated data tion system, and the formation of a on gender, ethnicity, age groups, favorable institutional framework; habitats and regions/administra- tive districts; - Develop competitive human cap- ital through expand the scope of - Establish of SDG Financing active labor market programs, in- Mechanism with the engagement creasing investment in education of private sectors and government and ensuring full accessibility to institutions to achieve the select- the compulsory health insurance ed targets of SDGs. system;

134 Third Voluntary National Review of the Republic of Azerbaijan