Armenia’s mine threats hinder safe return of displaced people to Karabakh Azerbaijani ombudswoman says

Azerbaijan's Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudswoman) Sabina Aliyeva has said that global climate change has detrimental effects on the environment, sustainable development, and human well-being. 

"Global climate change also poses significant challenges for the protection and fulfillment of human rights," Aliyeva said at the Baku International Ombudsmen Conference, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

She emphasised that the repercussions of climate change, which lead to environmental issues, extend beyond the borders of any single country or region.

"As part of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, environmental issues are prominently addressed, including access to clean water and sanitation, combating climate change, and protecting marine and terrestrial ecosystems. A key challenge is to strengthen collaboration at local, regional, and international levels to tackle these issues. Furthermore, it is essential to continue enhancing mechanisms that promote, protect, and ensure environmental rights, which are an integral part of human rights," Aliyeva said.

In her speech, the Ombudswoman highlighted the environmental issues faced by the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan due to Armenia's military aggression, describing it as an international crime amounting to ecocide against Azerbaijan.

"The mine threat created by Armenia in the Azerbaijani lands endangers lives and health. It also hinders the safe return of former internally displaced people, disrupts reconstruction efforts, and disturbs ecological balance. Since the end of the second Karabakh war, 379 individuals have fallen victim to landmines. Overall, from 1991 to the present, the total number of mine casualties has reached 3,458, including 359 children and 38 women," she added.

By Naila Huseynova