Statement of the Committee on the protection of children from harmful information

11 August 2020

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The book "The Story of a Dove with goose" intended for children's audiences does not meet the specifics of children's literature and its requirements. The publication faced a lot of criticism from network users and readers.  

The poet Aygun Bal who is claimed to be a member of the Writers' Union of Azerbaijan, has not taken into account the age characteristics of children, as well as the didactic and educational significance of the chosen topic in her book.

Children's literature, which is an integral part of the fiction literature, is one of the direct means of upbringing and the formation of artistic taste of new generation.

Every example of literature, in addition to having a positive impact on the formation of our children, should be written in a context and style appropriate to the child's psychology and interests.

Taking into account the negative effects of the expressions used in the above-mentioned printed product on minors, use of this books does not meet the requirements of the relevant legislation of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Thus, the information that discredits the institution of the family is classified as information prohibited for children.

According to Article 4 of the Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan "On protection of children from harmful information", the distribution of such information products among children is prohibited.

Also, contrary to the requirements of this law, the "book" was published without expert opinion. According to the “Rules for assigning information products to age categories” approved by the decision of  Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan dated July 29, 2020, the distribution of information products without an expert opinion causes administrative liability.

There is an administrative liability for distribution  of information  without ensuring the classification of information products by age  in accordance with the Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan “On protection of children from harmful information” according to Article 388-2.0.2 of the Code of Administrative Offenses, except for cases specified by this Law.

As the State Committee for Family, Women and Children's Affairs, we emphasize that the dissemination of such information products for the use of children is not expedient, and we note that appropriate measures will be taken in accordance with the law for the dissemination of such information.