Occupation harmed environment in Azerbaijani territories, speaker says

Nearly three decades of Armenian occupation of Azerbaijani territories caused significant environmental damage, Azerbaijani parliamentary speaker Sahiba Gafarova has said.

Addressing a July 9 videoconference of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) held under the theme "Protection of the Natural Environment in Armed Conflict," she noted that the occupation resulted in the destruction of forests, soil degradation, water pollution, biodiversity loss and the illegal exploitation of natural resources, Caliber.Az reports, citing the Parliament.

Gafarova described environmental protection during armed conflicts as not only an ecological issue but also one with significant humanitarian, legal and security implications.

She stated that wars leave long-lasting consequences for populations as well as ecosystems, biodiversity, water resources and agricultural land, undermining sustainable development and affecting future generations.

The parliamentary speaker stressed that international humanitarian law provides a solid legal basis for protecting the environment during conflicts, but emphasised that its effectiveness depends largely on implementation at the national level.

She underlined the role of parliaments in incorporating international humanitarian law into domestic legislation, strengthening oversight mechanisms, promoting accountability for environmental damage and supporting post-conflict recovery efforts through international cooperation.

Referring to Azerbaijan's experience, she pointed to the fact that more than one million landmines continue to threaten both people and the environment, while impeding ecological restoration efforts and the safe return of internally displaced persons.

Gafarova said Azerbaijan is currently carrying out extensive humanitarian demining operations, ecosystem rehabilitation projects, reforestation programs and green energy initiatives in the liberated territories.

She added that Azerbaijan continues to strengthen its legislative framework in line with international obligations and highlighted amendments adopted in 2024 introducing the crime of ecocide into the country's Criminal Code as a crime against peace and humanity.

The speaker also referred to legislation on chemical weapons and demining adopted by the Azerbaijani parliament.

Gafarova further highlighted the outcome document adopted during the Parliamentary Meeting jointly organized by the IPU and the Milli Majlis on the sidelines of COP29 in Baku in November 2024.

According to her, the document calls on parliaments to prevent environmental damage caused by conflicts, raise awareness about the consequences of landmines and unexploded ordnance and strengthen legislative measures against ecocide.

She said these recommendations reflect Azerbaijan's broader position that environmental protection should form an integral part of conflict prevention, post-conflict recovery and sustainable peacebuilding efforts.

Concluding her address, Gafarova called for stronger international cooperation to reinforce the implementation of international humanitarian law and help ensure a safer and more sustainable future for coming generations.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov