Parliament passed a law on social welfare in 1995, but critics say it has done little to improve the lives of old people living alone, the disabled, or orphans.

Some citizens urged MPs from local settlements to address the issue, and in 2009 Parliament issued the 81st protocol to improve social welfare. Parliament also asked the Government to prepare a draft law on social welfare, and the Government submitted the draft in January 2010.

The draft law on social welfare has been discussed by Parliament, but it has not been approved yet. Critics say Parliament is moving too slowly on the issue.