Supporting the Needs of Young People in Azerbaijan

What's the situation?

Azerbaijan is a country of mountains and river valleys, where 20,2 percent of the population of 8.34 million is aged between 15 and 24.

For many of these young people and their families, the last decade has not been easy.

Following its independence in 1991, Azerbaijan underwent sweeping social and economic changes, which have led to new political, institutional, juridical, economic, social and psychological challenges.

The disruption of ties with the former Soviet Union resulted in economic decline and institutional instability in Azerbaijan. The situation was exacerbated by the Nogorno-Karabakh conflict and by the displacement of 800,000 people. Currently, internally displaced persons account for 10 per cent of Azerbaijan's total population. Of these, 30 per cent were 25 years old or younger.

Although per capita GDP has increased in Azerbaijan, it is estimated that 40 per cent of the population lives in poverty and an additional 17 per cent in extreme poverty. The damage caused by this economic crisis is still being felt institutionally in the run-down healthcare and education systems as well as on the environment.

During this period of insecurity, young people are among the most vulnerable in Azerbaijan's changing society. Without adequate healthcare services or information, they are exposed to the risk of unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections , HIV/AIDS , gender-based violence , trafficking of young women or drug use.

Young people who have to live on the streets or whose families are struggling with unemployment or extreme poverty are particularly vulnerable.

However Azerbaijan has no tradition of informing young people about their sexual and reproductive health or reproductive rights. Such education was ignored during Soviet times so superstition and misinformation are still widespread. In many parts of society, issues of adolescent sexuality are largely taboo, stigmatized by traditional values.

In some communities, patriarchal traditions have re-emerged, with girls and young women being denied the opportunity to go to school or work outside the home. In difficult financial times young women can be pressured into early marriage . This can be problematic because of health issues associated with early pregnancy, the loss of educational opportunities, lack of legal protection in case of marital problems.

The practice of marriage between cousins or other blood relatives is still widespread in Azerbaijan. There are worrying health implications for children conceived in such marriages, with a high incidence of birth defects.

Currently, Azerbaijan still needs international support to address the needs of young people regarding reproductive and sexual health , including such issues as unintended pregnancies among adolescents, the use of modern methods of contraception , or the prevention of sexually transmitted infections . There is also a need to involve men in reproductive health and to improve the understanding of these issues among Azerbaijan's armed services.

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