Official: Azerbaijan among world’s most mine-affected nations

Azerbaijan ranks among the top ten countries most affected by landmines, Umud Mirzayev, president of the International Eurasia Press Foundation and chairman of the Public Council at the Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA), told journalists.

According to Mirzayev, more than 1.5 million landmines remain in Azerbaijan, severely hindering the implementation of the “Great Return” program, the safe resettlement of former displaced persons, and the construction of new settlements and infrastructure projects, Caliber.Az reports, citing domestic media.

He emphasised that the landmine issue is not only a political concern but, above all, a humanitarian one, directly affecting people’s lives and safety.

“The United Nations also regards this threat as a global humanitarian problem requiring the unity of the international community in addressing it. Since the end of the Second Karabakh War, approximately 260,000 hectares have been cleared of mines in Azerbaijan,” Mirzaev said.

The chairman noted that despite these results, contaminated areas remain extensive, and much work remains to be done.

Notably, April 4 marks the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov