OREANDA-NEWS. May 06, 2011. Azerbaijan has exceeded its commitment on the European charter in the field of social policy welfare.

State Social Protection Fund’s head Salim Muslimov informs that after raising the average pension in the country from 85 to 150 manat in connection with transition to a new system of pension calculating – on the length of service, it is provided discharge of country’s commitments on the European Social Charter.

"According to the Charter requirement, the average monthly pension should be 40% of the level of average wages. Currently this index is 34%, and after the increase in pensions will be 47%, thus exceeding the commitment by 7%," Muslimov said.

Azerbaijan acceded to the European Social Charter in 2006. One of the Charter point says of bringing the monthly pension up to 40% level of average monthly wages in the country and non-reduction of this level. The Charter proclaims the rights and freedoms and establishes a control mechanism to ensure compliance with these rights and freedoms by the participating states. The Charter envisages the right for social security, social assistance and social services, the right for protection from poverty, special measures to protect families and the elderly.