Azerbaijani NGOs appeal to UN secretary general over mine problem

The Azerbaijani non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have sent an appeal to the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres due to the mine problem.

“Azerbaijan is one of the countries full of mines and unexploded ordnance. Over the past 30 years, a total of 3,368 people have suffered as a result of mine explosions. Some 501 people have died, 238 citizens have been wounded since November 10, 2020,” Report informs citing the appeal.

“Humanitarian demining is a priority for Azerbaijan. The country is cooperating with many main organisations operating in the field of humanitarian demining, including the UN Resident Coordinator Office, UNICEF, etc.

We are grateful to the EU and other donors for their financial support. However, the funds allocated to our country are not enough to stop mine terror and prevent the death and injury of men, women and children.

Mines and unexploded ordnance hamper internally displaced people to return to their native lands. Moreover, demining is one of the key prerequisites for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

For this reason, Azerbaijan has decided to implement the national SDGs on mine action. Mines and unexploded ordnance pose a threat to civilians and impede economic and social progress worldwide.

Promoting demining is essential to achieving the SDGs, and Azerbaijan is proposing new SDGs aimed at humanitarian demining,” the appeal says.