Azerbaijan's Ombudsman demands Armenia’s accountability as mine blasts injure four civilians

Azerbaijan's Ombudsman, Sabina Aliyeva, has issued a stern appeal in the wake of recent landmine explosions in the Jabrayil and Agdam districts, which left four Azerbaijani citizens, including children, seriously injured, Caliber.Az reports.

For the record, as a result of Armenia's ongoing mine terror, innocent people are losing their lives and health. Today, April 6, four Azerbaijani citizens, including children, were seriously injured in landmine explosions in Jabrayil and Agdam. This tragedy once again highlights that the mine danger in the region still persists, and the lives of innocent people are constantly under threat.

The Ombudsman expressed her concern and called for international cooperation in addressing the issue. "Since 2020, 392 people have either been killed or wounded as a result of landmine explosions and unexploded ordnance left by the Armenian side," Aliyeva stated. "This is a serious problem that affects not only the physical, but also the psychological and social well-being of people."

Aliyeva further emphasized that the mines, which remain in Azerbaijani territories, are a major obstacle to achieving lasting peace in the region. She stressed the importance of global cooperation to eliminate the threat posed by these explosives. "The mines laid on our territories during the occupation pose a significant threat to establishing lasting peace in the region. To prevent this danger, international cooperation and assistance are crucial."

The Ombudsman also called on international organizations to take serious action. "At the same time, the serious consideration of the humanitarian situation in the mine-contaminated territories and holding Armenia accountable under international law remains an important responsibility for the relevant international organizations," she said. "The deliberate planting of mines leads to serious human rights violations and complicates the restoration of peace and security in the region."

Aliyeva concluded by urging the international community to recognize the urgency of demining activities and to support Azerbaijan’s ongoing efforts. "As the Ombudsman, I urge the international community to recognize the urgency of demining activities, support Azerbaijan's ongoing demining efforts, and hold Armenia accountable for the deliberate and widespread landmining of Azerbaijani territories," she stated.

By Khagan Isayev