Colombian media brings Azerbaijan’s landmine crisis into global spotlight

A leading Colombian news platform, Zona Cero, has published an article highlighting Azerbaijan’s ongoing struggle with landmine contamination and calling for stronger international solidarity to address the humanitarian and post-conflict challenges it creates.

The article describes the serious humanitarian threat posed by mines planted during Armenia’s years-long occupation of Azerbaijani territories, as well as the long-term consequences of post-conflict explosions, Caliber.Az reports via state media.

It notes that around 13.4% of Azerbaijan’s territory is contaminated with more than one million mines and unexploded ordnance, creating significant risks for civilians and hindering sustainable development. The publication also highlights challenges faced in the safe return of approximately 800,000 internally displaced persons.

It further states that since the end of the 2020 war, 420 people have been injured in mine incidents, including women and children, while over the past 30 years, the total number of mine victims has exceeded 3,400.

The article also refers to progress in demining efforts led by the Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA), noting that more than 260,000 hectares of land have been cleared and tens of thousands of mines and explosive devices have been neutralised.

It adds that Colombia itself faces a landmine problem and reports increasing contacts between relevant institutions of the two countries to explore possible areas of cooperation. Azerbaijan is also said to contribute to international humanitarian demining efforts, including support to Ukraine through equipment, technical assistance, and specialised training.

The publication concludes that international assistance to Azerbaijan remains limited and stresses the importance of stronger global cooperation and solidarity in addressing the landmine threat.

By Jeyhun Aghazada