Azerbaijan elevates humanitarian demining to national priority Article by Ad-Dustour

Azerbaijan has raised humanitarian demining to the level of a national priority, according to an article published in the Jordanian daily Ad-Dustour titled “From Contamination to Recovery: Azerbaijan Calls for Stronger Global Action on Demining.”

The author stressed that long after wars end, landmines, unexploded ordnance, and improvised explosive devices continue to claim lives, hinder development, and obstruct the return of displaced populations.

“Azerbaijan remains one of the most heavily affected countries: more than 13% of its territory is contaminated with mines and explosive remnants of war, particularly in areas liberated after the Second Karabakh War. Over the past three decades, more than 3,400 Azerbaijani citizens have fallen victim to mines,” the article stated.

It also highlighted that the mine threat persists in the post-conflict period.

“Since November 2020, 421 civilians have been injured by mine explosions, including 72 fatalities and 349 severely wounded or disabled. Among the victims are women and children, underscoring the indiscriminate nature of these weapons and their continued impact on civilian populations. These figures show that even in relatively peaceful times, mines continue to act as silent killers,” the publication noted.

Beyond the immediate human toll, the article underscored that mine contamination poses a serious obstacle to recovery and development.

“Vast areas of fertile land remain unusable, infrastructure projects are delayed, and entire communities are unable to return home. For Azerbaijan, the safe and dignified return of internally displaced persons is directly dependent on the speed and effectiveness of demining operations,” it said.

The article also highlighted the work carried out in Azerbaijan in the field of demining, particularly by the ANAMA.

“In response to this challenge, Azerbaijan has elevated humanitarian demining to a national priority. ANAMA leads intensive efforts in clearance, risk education, and victim assistance, while deploying advanced technologies to improve operational efficiency,” the publication stated.

It further noted that Azerbaijan has integrated a gender perspective into demining activities and taken significant steps to promote gender equality in the sector. With the support of international partners, the country established its first all-female demining team.

“This represents an important step forward in building capacity and ensuring inclusive participation in humanitarian demining,” the article emphasised.

The scale of the problem, however, requires sustained international support.

“In this regard, strengthening international cooperation, providing sustainable financial assistance, and developing technical partnerships are essential to accelerating progress,” the publication stressed.

In conclusion, the article called on the international community to unite in addressing the landmine threat, which continues to endanger lives in post-conflict regions and undermine human rights.

“Therefore, a coordinated, adequately funded, and principled global response is necessary to eliminate this threat and ensure a safer future for all… We call on the international community to strengthen support for humanitarian demining efforts and victim assistance… A mine-free future is essential for achieving sustainable peace, development, and human security,” the newspaper concluded.

By Jeyhun Aghazada