The Ombudsman’s National Preventive Group conducted monitoring in Sumgayit state child institutions

The National Preventiv Group of the Ombudsman of Azerbaijan conducted monitoring in the boarding-type gymnasium, a special school for children with limited health capacities, and an integrated training boarding- type gymnasium based in Sumgayit.

During the monitoring of Sumgayit City Boarding Type Gymnasium, it was found that 720 children were registered in the facility for 280 resident students, and therefore, there was overcrowding.  

The placement of 30 internally displaced persons in the dormitory of the boarding school is one of the factors affecting the overcrowding. 

It was also determined that the facility, in particular the dormitory, was in need of an overhaul, and it had no a bahroom and that the lighting should be improved.

In the Sumgayit special school for children with limited health capacities, excluding primary grades’ students, there were difficulties in supplying them with specific education tools. Although, the facility was designed for children with limited health capacities, it was observed that no accessible infrastructure was ensured, ramps were not installed, and there was a lack of the ventilation system. 

Within the framework of the monitoring, a meeting was held with children, and information about the rules and methods of application to the Ombudsman was provided.

At the end, talks were held with the managements of the facilities and recommendations were made for the eradication of the shortages. Furthermore, it was informed that the charters of all three facilities were in need of renewal.

The Ministry of Science and Education of Azerbaijan will be urged regarding the outcomes of the monitoring.