Azerbaijan calls for accurate landmine maps to protect civilians in post-conflict regions
Azerbaijan's Head of the Office of the Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) Aydin Safikhanli, has stressed that the provision of landmine maps is a critical element of international humanitarian law.
Speaking at a seminar in Baku marking the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions, Safikhanli underscored Azerbaijan's commitment to upholding these international agreements, Caliber.Az reports via local media.
"This year marks the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Geneva Conventions. Azerbaijan is a participant and one of the countries implementing its requirements at the highest level. However, not all nations meet their obligations," Safikhanli stated.
He also highlighted the importance of landmine maps, citing them as a vital tool for the safety and protection of civilians in post-conflict regions.
Despite the prolonged occupation of its territories, Azerbaijan has adhered to international law, including the treatment of detainees and prisoners, throughout both the First and Second Karabakh Wars, Safikhanli added.
"For nearly 30 years, Armenia has violated all norms and principles of international law," he remarked.
"For nearly three decades, Azerbaijan has suffered from Armenia’s occupation policy, which was accompanied by systematic violations of international law norms and principles. On our part, we have always advocated for strict adherence to these norms," he stressed.
Commenting further, Safikhanli added that, even during military operations, Azerbaijan has adhered to humanitarian law, ensuring no violations against the civilian population.
To recap, the accuracy of the mine maps provided by Armenia remains "very low," said Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Head of the Foreign Policy Department of the Presidential Administration.
Speaking to journalists, Hajiyev noted that while the maps were provided following pressure on Armenia, their reliability is significantly lacking.
By Aghakazim Guliyev