Azerbaijani ombudswoman urges international pressure on Armenia for minefield maps

POLITICS  04 March 2024 - 09:00

Azerbaijan's Human Rights Commissioner, Sabina Aliyeva, has emphasized the urgent need for the international community to pressure Armenian authorities into providing accurate maps of minefields in territories formerly occupied by Armenia.

Mines laid by Armenia during nearly three decades of occupation continue to pose a severe threat to the lives and well-being of civilians and military personnel in Azerbaijan, she said in a statement, Report informs.

The recent mine explosion in the Ahmadaghali village of the Agdam district serves as a grim reminder of this ongoing danger.

"Another victim of a mine explosion was a civilian man engaged in agriculture. Thus, on March 3, 2024, a civilian was seriously wounded as a result of a mine explosion that occurred near the village of Ahmadaghali in Aghdam district.

More than 340 of our compatriots have been killed or wounded by mines since the second Karabakh war so far.

The international community should put serious pressure on the Armenian authorities to provide our country with accurate maps of minefields," Aliyeva stressed.

To recap, a 29-year-old man has been injured as a result of a mine explosion in Ahmadaghali village of Azerbaijan's Agdam District.

On March 3, an anti-personnel mine explosion occurred in Ahmadaghali village of Agdam District, the press service of the Azerbaijani Interior Ministry told Caliber.Az.

As a result of the incident, a resident of Agdam district Bakhtiyar Yagub oglu Abbasov (born in 1995) was wounded in both legs.

According to the ministry, the man was grazing cattle in an area near the former line of contact that had not been cleared of mines.

"The Interior Ministry, the Prosecutor General's Office and ANAMA once again urge citizens to observe safety rules and not to enter unfamiliar territory," the report says.

Since the conclusion of the Second Karabakh War, more than 340 Azerbaijani citizens have fallen victim to these hidden hazards, either losing their lives or sustaining injuries. Such incidents underscore the critical necessity for accurate mapping of minefields to facilitate safe demining efforts and prevent further casualties.

Commissioner Aliyeva's call for international pressure on Armenia to disclose precise information regarding minefield locations resonates with Azerbaijan's efforts to address this pressing humanitarian issue. By obtaining comprehensive maps, Azerbaijan can better coordinate mine clearance operations and ensure the safety of its citizens and military personnel.

The international community's support in advocating for transparent and cooperative actions from Armenia is crucial in mitigating the risks posed by these hidden explosives. Only through collective efforts and persistent diplomatic engagement can progress be made towards the elimination of this enduring threat to peace and security in the region.

In light of the ongoing challenges posed by landmines, Azerbaijan remains committed to working collaboratively with international partners to address this humanitarian crisis effectively. The urgent need for accurate minefield maps underscores the importance of sustained attention and concerted action from the global community to safeguard civilian lives and promote lasting peace in the region.

Caliber.Az