On works done by State Committee of the Republic of Azerbaijan on the affairs of Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons for in 2004-2008
I N F O R M A T I O N
The following works were performed within 2008 in accordance with the execution of duties proposed by Head of State as well as normative-legal documents available in this direction in the conference held regarding “State Program on improvement of living conditions and increasing employment of refugees and internally displaced persons” approved by Decree № 298 of 1st July 01, 2004 issued by the President of Azerbaijan Republic, execution of the Appendixes made to this State Program approved by the Decree 2475 of 31st October, 2007 issued by the President of Azerbaijan Republic, solution of refugees and internally displaced persons problems under the chairmanship of Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of Azerbaijan Republic in the President Palace on September 04, 2007:
338,1 million manats were spent on the solution of social problems of refugees and internally displaced persons in 2008 (163,1 million manats from budget, 145 million manats from State Oil Fund, but 30 million manat from international humanitarian and development organizations). And that was 3,2 times more than that one spent for the same purposes in 2003 (103,4 million manats, including 53,4 million manats (AZN) from budget, 20 million mantas from State Oil Foundation, 30 million manat from international humanitarian and development organizations).
The allowances (163.1 million manats) were allocated from state budget to solve refugees and internally displaced persons social problems 3 times more in 2008 than in 2003 (53,4 million manats (AZN)).
The construction of Olympic Sports Complex was completed in Guzanli settlement of Aghdam region and there was an official opening of the complex with the participation of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan on January 17, 2008.
The construction of new settlements were completed in Fuzuli, Bilasuvar, Sabirabad, Aghdam and Aghjabadi regions, as well as the liquidation of the tent camps in Sabirabad and Saatli regions were completed in due course for 4179 IDPs families settled in tent camps in Saatli, Sabirabad regions and in cargo wagons on the railway in the territory of Imishli region.
During his visit to Fuzuli, Bilasuvar and Beylagan regions the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mr. Ilham Aliyev participated and had a speech at the opening of the school newly built in Zobujug settlement for the internally displaced persons in Fuzuli region on April 18, 2008. The President of the Republic, who highly appreciated done works, took part at the opening of the settlement newly constructed for IDPs in Bilasuvar region, in history country study museum and also talked to IDPs friendly.
The construction of a new settlement of 500 families was completed in Beylagan region for IDPs from Khojavand region, and IDPs families were moved to the houses there.
In the territory of Beylagan region the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mr. Ilham Aliyevparticipated and had a speech at the opening of a new settlement of 500 families constructed for IDPs from Khojavand region.
The construction of a settlement of 150 families - in Aghjakend settlement, 130 families – in Boru settlement, 100 families – in Meshali settlement from new settlement of 500 families for IDPs from Khojali region were completed. So IDPs families were being moved to the houses in the settlements. The construction of a settlement of 120 families– in upper Aghjakend settlement is being carried on.
5 new settlements were constructed for 1000 families 4500 IDPs in 2008. Not only dwelling houses of the total area 52 thousand square meters, but also 5 schools, 2 kindergartens, 2 medical institutions, 2 communication houses, 2 clubs – community centers, 5 administrative buildings, 2 fire posts were built and put into service, 29 kilometers road, 70 kilometers water line, 110 kilometers airpower line were laid, 6 artesian wells were drilled, 10 water storages with different capacities were constructed and 33 transformators were installed.
A tender Commission was formed by SDFİDPs to design and carry out the works regarding the construction of necessary new settlements, buildings and houses with social-technical infrastructure for IDPs families temporarily settled in Finnish type settlements of which useful life were terminated, as well as in school buildings of different cities and regions.
Project accounting documents were drawn up for the settlements intended to be built in the territory of Goranboy region for 596 IDPs from Kalbajar region and the construction of the settlement would be begun at the beginning of 2009.
Land areas were allocated for 983 IDPs to construct dwelling settlements in Imishli region, multi – story buildings in Yevlakh region for 612 IDPs families, project accounting documents were begun to be drawn for the construction.
Land areas were allocated to construct dwelling settlements and multi – story buildings in Shaki (84, 0 hectare for 423 families), Barda (134 hectare for 195 families), Aghdam (52 hectare for 601 families), Aghjabadi (136, 0 hectare for 681 families) and Mingechevir city (8, 0 hectare for 502 families), and concerned organizations were applied on technical specifications to begin the design of settlements and multi – story buildings.
An agreement was made with a contractor organization on the construction of houses for 26, IDPs families in Goygol region, road-street and electrical grid.
For 152 IDPs families the construction of five story buildings was begun in Gabala region.
The construction of a block for 15 IDPs families was completed on the border of newly constructed settlements of 108 and 40 families near Mehdiabad settlement, in Absheron region and IDPs families were moved to the houses. Furthermore, 4, 0 hectare land area was allocated in this territory to construct dwelling settlements for 31 IDPs families. Project accounting documents were drawn up for the construction of settlements and were submitted to the State Expertise department by client organization to comment. The agreement will be made with a contractor organization on the construction of the settlement by the end of the current year.
State Committee on the affairs of Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons was allocated 3, 0 hectare area in the territory of house-building entity № 2 in Binagadi region, Baku city and the construction of 4 nine story buildings was begun for 364 IDPs families to be settled in.
By the Order No.211s of the Ministry Cabinet of the Republic of Azerbaijan of June 10 2008 customer organization function was intrusted to Social Development Fund of Internally Displaced Persons (SDFIDPs) to carry out in a part of 130 settlements that was necessary to be repaired urgently. A project organization was defined to carry out repair and an agreement was made. Project works have already been implemented by project organization and some agreements have been made with contractor organizations to repair 40 objects.
State Committee on the affairs of Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons were allocated 3,0 hectare land area in the territory of Construction Combine № 2 in Binagadi district, Baku city and the construction of 9-stry building have begun for 364 IDPs families to be settled in.
1289 applications were presented to the Committee in accordance with moving IDPs from the places they had settled and 927 applications of them were by refuges and IDPs, but 362 ones by citizens. The representative of the Committee participated in 115 judicial processes, replacements were prevented, and citizens were answered appropriately.
During accounting period 11263 IDPs were employed. 7598 people of them were employed due to land area allocated in new place of residence, 126 people in the local structures of the Department of apartment exploitation of the Committee, 150 people in apiculture, 340 people in processing factory of “Azersun Holding”, 1752 persons in construction sphere, 1297 persons as a result of mutual negotiations with the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Population and its structural sections.
392 people were granted the status of unemployed, 401 people were determined unemployment benefits, 281 refugees and IDPs were involved in occupational training courses on the basis requirements of the modern labour market, but 187 people in paid social works.
22 objects, where refugees and internally displaced persons temporarily settled in, were repaired capitally in the amount of 340 thousand manat, but 16 settled objects in the amount of 480 thousand manat.
Construction works were completed in 58 half-constructed houses in different regions of our republic at the state investment expense.
70, 0 million manat that approved in 2008 was paid directly to service organization by treasury in accordance with factual consumption on defined normative in centralized order. Assembling of meters were completed 100 % in 3800 private houses and 570 compact residential houses intended by “Bakielektrikshebeke”, “Sumgaitelektrikshebeke” JSC in 2008. In private houses 1800 meters, in compact residential houses 254 meters, totally 2054 meters (difference - 2316), that is 47 % ones were assembled. 17800 meters of 44200 ones intended by Azerenergy JSC in the current year were assembled in private houses, but 680 meters in 1180 compact residential homes. Totally 18480 meters, that is 42 % meters were assembled. 700 meters in private houses, but 45 meters were assembled in compact houses by Azerenergy JSC in 2003. Generally 745 meters, namely 2% meters in all – 17735 meters were assembled (40%) less than in 2008.
558 objects (i.e. 98 %) of 570 ones intended on “Bakielektirikshebeke”, “Sumgaitelektrikshebeke” JSC, 183 (i.e. 66%) in 2003 (375 objects more than in 2008), but 645 (i.e. 61%) residential houses of 1055 ones intended on Azerenergy JSC were used freely in 2003 - in the direction of free usage of power supplies of compact settlement objects (difference - 645).
47621 (100 %) gas meters of 47621 intended by “Azerigas” Closed Joint Stock Company were assembled in private and compact residential objects in other regions and cities of Baku and our republic. In 20031500 (46121 meters less than in 2008), i.e. 3 % meters were assembled.
68 power transformators with different marks, 71 water pumps, 2500 meters cable, and 80000 meters power cord were given and assembled by the Committee in 118 residential objects on different regions.
In 2008 IDPs were allocated benefit for food expenditure at the approved 66, 7 million manat expenses from state budget.
In comparison with 2003 the amount of benefit intended for food expenses of IDPs, being increased 2,7 times, was up to 13,5 manat per a person since September of 2008 due to the resources allocated from State budget.
In autumn-winter seasons 40 liter kerosene was provided for each 87 thousand IDPs families in 51 cities and regions not provided with gas.
Paying of average monthly salary was continued for 14 thousand unemployed IDPs who didn’t work in the enterprises financialized from the budget before.
270 thousand IDPs were provided with monthly food (195 thousand persons at the expense of budget, but 75 thousand persons in the line of “International Food Program” organization of UN). Monthly food support was realized by Azerbaijan Government since the “International Food Program” organization Program of UN completed on July 01, 2008.
31 region (city) executive powers on the Committee were allocated humanitarian aid worth 628 thousand manat, 787 families worth 18 thousand manat on the basis of applications by refugees and IDPs, totally worth 646 thousand manat.
In the line of Islamic Development Bank 7460 families were allocated 37, 3 ton meat as an aid on the occasion of Qurban holiday.
In case of fire 5 families were assisted 2400 manat financial aid.
Ministry, committee, company, concern and joint-stock companies assisted IDPs different aids worth 2 million manat on the eve of various holidays.
72 international humanitarian aids and different projects worth 30 million USA dollars were realized by improvement organization in our country in this direction.
In 218 hectare land grain corn was sown for 2008 harvest year by Agro - Industrial and Agro - Farmer Economy attached to the Committee and 150 ton corn was harvested from the same land. 783 thousand manat industrial goods were produced in 9 industries, AI and AFI. In 2003 extra industrial goods worth relatively 96, 8 thousand manat were produced (686, 2 thousand manat goods were produced) in comparison with 2008.
61 different type community micro projects (the total cost of microprojects was 3781, 3 thousand USA dollars) were realized on credit agreement of the World Bank. About 45 thousand IDPs made use of the microprojects.
In different regions of Azerbaijan carrying out 8 more microprojects were almost completed by SDFIDPs. (the cost of microprojects was 708 thousand USA dollars). Over 3 thousand internally displaced persons will take advantage of this microproject.
Boards of Directors of World Bank confirmed new credit agreement worth 15 million USA dollars. Azerbaijan’s share was considered 9, 19 million USA dollars (including VAT). So total scope of the Project will be 24, 19 million USA dollars. The implementation of the Project will begin since January 01, 2009 and will be completed by the end of 2011.
4 intermediary organizations were involved in implementing “IDP youth support Project” financialized at the grant of Japan Social Development Fund on the basis of tender during account.
Deputy Prime Minister, chairman of State Committee on the affairs of refugees and internally displaced persons had over 180 meetings with the representatives of foreign countries, international finance organizations, humanitarian and development organizations.
18913 persons as well as 126 persons were granted the status of refugee and 18787 persons the status of internally displaced person and appropriate certificate on it. The status and certificates were granted 1,7 times more than in 2003 (refugee status was awarded to 10658 and 1765 persons, but internally displaced person status to 8893 persons).
39736 written and oral applications presented by by refugees, IDPs and different organizations to Central Apparatus of State Committee on affairs of Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons were reviewed, 98,4% of them were executed, and 67,2 % were settled positively.
A decree and an Order were adopted by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, 7 decisions and orders by the Cabinet of Ministers on the social defence of refugees and IDPs.
Works done for 2004-2008:
Last 5 years worthy successor of Heydar Aliyev’s political course - Mr. Ilham Aliyev, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, paid attention to solve the social problems of refugees and IDPs considered the number one problem by National Leader of our people Heydar Aliyev, consistent and purposeful measures were held in this direction.
It was Great Leader Heydar Aliyev who had an idea to cancel the tent camps in our republic. In Bilasuvar region just 5 tent camps were canceled by his order in June, 2003 and 3781 families 17014 IDPs were settled in new modern settlements.
Last five years it was one of the prioritet problems to solve the social problems of refugees and IDPs. 18 decrees and an orders were adopted by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan to develop legal base regarding the the social defence of refugees and IDPs, and 64 decisions and orders by the Cabinet of Ministers to implement them. "The State program for improving the living conditions of refugees and IDPs and the increase of employment among them” by the Order No. 298 of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev of July 1, 2004 and the “Appendixes” made to the same State Program by Order No. 2475, dated October 31, 2007 were confirmed. The president of the Republic of Azerbaijan met had 10 meetings with the President of Armenia Republic, 29 with co-ch Mr. Ilham Aliyev airmans of OSCE, and with the heads of different states during 99 visits he paid to foreign countries.
“The State program for improving the living conditions of refugees and IDPs and the increase of employment among them” approved by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev July 1, 2004 are being implemented successfully and has almost been completed.
Means worth 486 million manat has been paid to construct new settlements for IDPs for 5 years (466 million manat, grant, privileged loan 17, 5 million manat and investment funds 2, 7 million manat from State Oil Fund) last 5 years.
Additionally 146, 8 million manat (145 million manat and 1, 8 million manat investment from State Oil Fund) was allocated in 2008 for this purpose.
36 settlements were constructed for 10401 families 47 thousand IDDs last 5 years. 34 schools, 4 music schools, 18 kindergartens, 26 medical institutions, 21 communication houses, 22 clubs – community centers, 29 administrative buildings, 5 fire posts, were built and put into service in the same settlements with dwelling area of 534 thousand square meters, 366 kilometers road, 438 kilometers water lines, 583 kilometer electrical grid of 583 kilometers is laid, 141 artesian wells were drilled, 48 reservoirs with different size, 20 pump stations were constructed, 394 transformators were installed, mine cleaning works were carried in 2650 hectare area of the same settlements with 534 thousand square meter dwelling area. The liquidation of 3 tent camps in Sabirabad and Saatli regions were completed in December of 2007, so 12 tent camps were liquidated and the order by President Ilham Aliyev was implemented a year earlier. Rest 7 tent camps (3 tent camps in Barda region, 1 in Aghjabadi region, 3 in Saatli and Sabirabad regions) were liquidated in our republic, 26 settlements of 408 square meters were constructed in the territories of Aghdam, Aghjabadi, Bilasuvar, Sabirabad and Fuzuli regions for 8039 families 35 thousand IDPs settled in the freight cars on the railways in the same camps, as well as in Barda and Imishli regions, also 27 schools, 3 music schools, 16 kindergartens, 22 medical institutions, 18 communication houses, 19 clubs – community centers were built and put into service, 283 kilometers road, 328 kilometers water line, 438 kilometers air electric line were laid and internally displaced persons were insured to be settled in the same settlements.
The construction of new settlements of 500 families were completed for IDPs from Khojavand village in Beylagan region, IDPs families were moved to the houses in the settlements.
The construction of a settlement of 150 families – in Ashaghi Aghjakand settlement, of 130 families – in Boru settlement, of 100 families – in Meshali settlement from 4 settlements of 500 families for IDPs from Khojali region was completed in Beylagan region, and IDPs families are being moved to the houses in the settlements.
1 international conference, 2 large conferences were held with the participation of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mr. Ilham Aliyev in accordance with the problems of refugees and internally displaced persons. The President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mr. Ilham Aliyev has had 11 meetings with IDPs last 5 years:
He had his first meeting with electors just in the settlements constructed in Bilasuvar region during President Elections on October 01, 2003.
He participated in the conference devoted to 10th anniversary year of international humanitarian organizations action, stressed once more that the problems of refugees and internally displaced persons were one of the priority ones in the country, and set concrete tasks before competent state organs.
He participated and had a speech in the opening event of the settlement newly constructed for 412 IDPs families in Mingechevir city on June 8, 2004.
He also met IDPs temporarily settled in the tent camps of Barda region during his visit to the same region on September 11, 2004.
There was a conference devoted to the problems of refugees and IDPs under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan on June 21, 2005. As per the task set in the conference refugees and IDPs were provided with grain combine harvester, 67 hostels were repaired and restored primarily, the construction of 4,2 kilometers of Yukhari Mil canal in Harami plain, 8,1 kilometers of Garachay Lachin Gishlag canal was completed.
When he paid a visit to Aghdam region on March 1, 2006, participated in the opening of “Banovshalar” settlement constructed for IDPs there, as well as founded Guzanli Olympic Sports Complex. There was an opening event of the Complex during the visit of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Aghdam region on January 17, 2008.
He participated and had a speech in the opening event of the settlement newly constructed for IDPs in Ramana settlement of Sabunchu district on May 4, 2007.
The President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mr. Ilham Aliyev was in Horadiz city of Fuzuli region on April 18, 2008, participated in the opening of Heydar Aliyev Museum, overviewed the Museum, visited the monument to national leader Heydar Aliyev, took part in the opening of secondary schools in the 2nd settlement newly constructed for IDPs in the territory named “Zobujug”, took part in foundation stone ceremony of Water Electric station near Medical Center and Bala Bahmanli village near Boyuk Bahmanli village on the edge of Horadiz - Baku road as well, visited the monument raised in martyrs` memory of Karabagh war.
On April 18, 2008 the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mr. Ilham Aliyev was in 5 settlements newly constructed in 2007 for IDPs settled in Bilasuvar region, overviewed the Heydar Aliyev park, visited the bust of national leader Heydar Aliyev, met IDPs respected persons gathered in the park, as well as became acquainted with a school, met IDPs in front of it.
Monthly benefit granted to IDPs for food expenditure was increased 50 percent.
In Beylagan region the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mr. Ilham Aliyev participated in the opening event of the settlement constructed for 500 IDPs from Khojavand region on October 4, 2008.
Being in Aghdam and Fuzuli regions the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mr. Ilham Aliyev met IDPs and the region community representatives on October 4, 2008.
140 thousand IDPs were provided with monthly foods at the expense of budget under republic by 2008. 130 thousand persons were provided with monthly food support by the Government since July 01, 2008 when the UN “International Food Program” organization Program on food assistance in Azerbaijan was completed. So the number of IDPs who are provided with monthly food at the expense of the budget is 270 thousand.
The amount of the benefit being increased 2, 7 times in comparison with 2003 was up to 6 manat since January 1, 2005, up to 9 manat since January 1, 2007 but up to 13, 5 manat since September 2008 per a person. IDPs get the benefits through ATM themselves.
In winter season 30 liter kerosene was provided for each 87 thousand IDPs families in 51 cities and regions not provided with gas. This assistance was 40 liters since 2005.
Assembling of meters were completed 100 % in 3800 private houses and 570 compact residential houses intended by “Bakielektrikshebeke”, “Sumgaitelektrikshebeke” JSC. In private houses 17800 meters, in 1180 compact residential houses 680 meters of 44200 ones intended by Azerenergy JSC, were assembled. Totally 42 % meters were assembled by Azerenergy JSC.
558 objects (i.e. 98 %) of 570 ones intended on “Bakielektirikshebeke”, “Sumgaitelektrikshebeke” JSC, but 645 (i.e. 61%) residential houses of 1055 ones intended on “Regional Power Supply” LLCs were used freely - in the direction of free usage of power supplies of compact settlement objects.
Assembling of 47194 (100 %) gas meters of 47194 ones intended by “Azerigas” Closed Joint Stock Company were fully completed in private and compact residential objects of other regions and cities of Baku and our republic.
322 power transformators with different marks, 371 water pumps, 15500 meters cable, and 337500 meters power cord were given and assembled by the Committee in 575 residential objects on different regions.
156 objects where refugees and IDPs temporarily settled in were repaired currently in the amount of 1682 thousand manat, but 67 objects were repaired capitally in the amount of 1580 thousand manat by the committee. 175 houses were built At the expense of State Investment worth 3, 2 million manat.
113433 persons, including 4907 persons were awarded the status of refugee, 108526 persons the status of internally displaced person and appropriate certificate on it. The status and certificates were awarded 1,7 times more than in 2003 (refugee status was awarded to 10658 and 1765 persons, but internally displaced person status to 8893 persons). Paying of average monthly salary was continued for over 14 thousand unemployed IDPs who worked in the enterprises financialized from the budget before.
Communal expenses used by IDPs are paid duly at the expense of the budget regarding the Factual consumption in a centralized order.
Different aids worth 11, 6 million manat were assisted to IDPs by ministry, committee, company, concern and joint-stock companies of the Republic on the eve of various holidays last 5 years.
The amount of the benefits allocated by the government for the social defence of refugees and IDPs is getting increased year by year. Last 5 years totally 1.000,1 million manat (including 534, 1 million manat from state budget, 466 million manat from State Oil Fund) was allocated for this purpose.
Last 5 years 72647 people were employed, 2467 people were granted the status of unemployed, 1116 people were involved in occupational training courses, but 1012 people in paid social works.
A condition was created for 6 thousand IDPs being issued microcredits to begin or enlarge their businesses by Social Development Fund of Internally Displaced Persons of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
During 2004-2008 with the financial support of World Bank (total amount of 12.7 million USA dollars), 220 micro-projects were realized and 142.9 thousand of IDPs used these microprojects. More than 10.4 thousand (8.5%) IDPs used micro-projects in comparison with 2003 (till the end of 2003 132 micro-projects were realized and 131.6 thousand IDP used them. 4.43 million USA dollars were spent to realize the projects) in those years.
244916, as well as 189518 written and 55398 oral applications were presented to the Committee for 5 years. Also 22112 letters were received from city (region) executive powers, different ministries and organizations, 167406 applications from citizens and 99% of them were realized. 75% of received applications were solved positively, but the rest of them were answered in accordance with the legislation. Moreover 32690 letters were sent to different addresses by the Committee due to the solution of problems of refugees and IDP. 1051 (including 33 collective) IDPs were in the consultation with the Committee Chairman, 95011that applied to the reception room were given corresponding explanation being received by the relevant senior officials.
Nowadays 115 organizations – 60 international, 40 local humanitarian and 15 non-bank credit organizations, which have been founded by them, are acting in Azerbaijan. The functions of these organizations are connected by the Republic Committee on International Humanitarian Assistance according to corresponding Order of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and different projects, on the amount of 158 million manat, have been realized by these organizations due to the solution of the social problems of refugees, IDPs and underprivileged people in the last 5 years. All necessary conditions are organized for the absolutely free, effective and transparent action of international humanitarian and all development organizations in this direction in the issue of the decisions made by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
But most of IDPs are still living in nonresidential public buildings, dormitories and other temporarily settled areas and are confronted with education, health, employment problems.
The problems in this direction were discussed in the meeting, held under the President of the Azerbaijan Republic Mr. Ilham Aliyev on September 4, 2007 and the Appendixes to "The State program for improving the living conditions of refugees and IDPs and the increase of employment among them" were confirmed by the Order of the President of the Republic of October 31, 2007.
Concrete measures will be held to improve living condition for 20 thousand families – 89 thousand internally displaced persons living in bad condition and temporarily settled in 15 Finnish type settlements with expired useful life, in schools of different cities and regions, in the buildings belonging to military units of the Ministry of Defence and other places having constructed new settlements and dwelling houses regarding the Appendixes beginning from the current year.
Generally living condition will be improved for 49 thousand families 220 thousand IDPs as a result of these measures intended to be held.
