Azerbaijani ambassador brings landmine threat to UN agenda

Azerbaijan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Tofig Musayev, highlighted the severe social consequences of conflicts while speaking at a meeting organised by Pakistan’s Permanent Mission to the UN as part of the 64th session of the UN Commission for Social Development.

According to domestic media, the ambassador noted that ongoing conflicts around the world undermine societies and economies.

“Conflicts lead to mass displacement, exacerbate humanitarian crises, create unprecedented challenges in social development, and place serious pressure on fragile economies and institutions,” he said.

Musayev stressed that Azerbaijan is among the countries that have fully experienced the social consequences of war and occupation. After 2020, the Azerbaijani government launched a large-scale reconstruction program aimed at ensuring the safe and dignified return of former internally displaced persons. Between 2021 and 2025, more than $13.5 billion was allocated for this purpose, and around 70,000 people are currently living in the liberated territories.

Noting that reconstruction efforts are being carried out using innovative approaches, the diplomat said:

“We are rebuilding destroyed cities and villages from scratch. The concepts of ‘smart city,’ ‘smart village,’ and green energy zones are being applied.”

According to the ambassador, the government has provided social support to more than 130,000 people; however, the process is being significantly slowed by the landmine threat.

“Approximately 1.5 million mines and a large number of unexploded ordnance remain in the formerly occupied territories, continuing to pose a threat to people’s lives,” he said.

He also recalled that the fate of more than 4,000 Azerbaijanis missing as a result of the war remains unknown.

“The severe consequences of conflicts require not only sustained national efforts but also international cooperation and solidarity to ensure that no one is left behind,” the diplomat concluded.

By Tamilla Hasanova