Azerbaijan hosts "Mine-Free World" event to raise awareness on landmine risks PHOTO

The Agency for State Support to Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) of the Azerbaijan Republic has hosted an event titled "Mine-Free World – Civil Society Initiatives" aimed to raise awareness about the ongoing landmine issue in Azerbaijan and the global effort to mitigate its dangers.

The event was held to mark the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

Elnur Baghirli, the Head of the Project Management Department at the Agency, opened the event by addressing the persistent issue of landmines in Azerbaijan. He emphasised the agency's commitment to raising awareness about the mine problem in Azerbaijan and bringing global attention to the risks these landmines pose to both civilians and communities.

Baghirli stated that this initiative is one of the agency's key priorities in its ongoing efforts to combat the dangers of unexploded ordnance. The event featured a series of impactful speeches from prominent figures, including Umud Mirzayev, President of the International Eurasia Press Fund (IEPF); Nadir Jafarov, Chairman of the "Chirag" Humanitarian and Development Public Union; and Hafiz Safikhanov, Chairman of the "Azerbaijan Campaign Against Mines" Public Union. 

Each speaker presented reports outlining the dangers of landmines and shared insights into the work being done to address this critical issue in Azerbaijan. The discussions provided a platform for experts to highlight the importance of both local and international efforts in clearing mines and educating the public on the risks associated with them. 

After the speeches, the event continued with an engaging discussion session where attendees had the opportunity to share perspectives and propose further actions to mitigate the impact of landmines.

Today, April 4, marks International Mine Awareness Day and Assistance in Mine Action, an occasion dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers posed by landmines and explosive remnants of war, as well as supporting efforts to remove these threats.

This observance was officially proclaimed by United Nations General Assembly Resolution No. 60/97 on December 8, 2005.

Landmines, unexploded ordnance, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) continue to cause fatalities and injuries worldwide, particularly in conflict zones. According to United Nations (UN) data, every hour, on average, one person is either killed or injured by such explosive devices. Many of the victims are children.

The growing use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) has become a major global concern, posing a direct threat to civilian populations, humanitarian missions, and international organisations operating in post-conflict regions.

Azerbaijan has been severely affected by the landmine threat as a result of the nearly 30-year occupation of its territories by Armenia. Even after the end of the conflict, the continued placement and presence of landmines by the Armenian side not only delays reconstruction and infrastructure development in the liberated territories but also prevents displaced Azerbaijani families from returning to their homes. Moreover, these mines pose a severe and ongoing danger to the lives of civilians.

By Naila Huseynova