MFA: Azerbaijan calls on world to stand with its demining efforts, condemn Armenia's violations

The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry has called on the international community to support Azerbaijan’s demining efforts and hold Armenia accountable for violations of international humanitarian law.

"On 4 April – International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action – we highlight once again the serious threat posed by landmines in Azerbaijan’s liberated territories," Caliber.Az reports, citing the ministry’s message on X. 

"As a result of Armenia’s decades-long occupation and indiscriminate use of landmines, 388 Azerbaijani citizens have been killed or injured since 2020. Landmines contaminating the liberated territories continue to endanger civilian lives, obstruct the return of former internally displaced persons, and hinder reconstruction and development. Mine action can not wait and we call on the international community to support Azerbaijan’s demining efforts and to hold Armenia accountable for its violations of international humanitarian law. Azerbaijan remains committed and steadfast to ensure a mine-free, safe, and prosperous future for its people," the message says. 

Today, April 4, marks International Mine Awareness Day and Assistance in Mine Action, an occasion dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers posed by landmines and explosive remnants of war, as well as supporting efforts to remove these threats. This observance was officially proclaimed by United Nations General Assembly Resolution No. 60/97 on December 8, 2005. Landmines, unexploded ordnance, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) continue to cause fatalities and injuries worldwide, particularly in conflict zones. According to United Nations (UN) data, every hour, on average, one person is either killed or injured by such explosive devices. Many of the victims are children.

The growing use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) has become a major global concern, posing a direct threat to civilian populations, humanitarian missions, and international organisations operating in post-conflict regions. Azerbaijan has been severely affected by the landmine threat as a result of the nearly 30-year occupation of its territories by Armenia. Even after the end of the conflict, the continued placement and presence of landmines by the Armenian side not only delays reconstruction and infrastructure development in the liberated territories but also prevents displaced Azerbaijani families from returning to their homes. Moreover, these mines pose a severe and ongoing danger to the lives of civilians.

By Naila Huseynova