Ombudsperson: Azerbaijan has 3,368 mine victims

Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsperson) of Azerbaijan Sabina Aliyeva made an appeal to the international community in connection with the International Day of Mine Awareness and Assistance to Mine Action.

The Ombudsperson's Office told Caliber.Az that the address reads:

"The main purpose of this day, which is being held in 2023 as part of the 'Mine Clearance Process Can't Wait' campaign, is to draw attention to territories affected by mine contamination. It is regrettable to note that Armenia has not contented itself with occupying the cities and districts of Azerbaijan in the Karabakh and East Zangazur districts for nearly 30 years, but has also massively mined these territories to harm people's lives and health. Since the signing of the Trilateral Declaration on November 10, 2020, as a result of the numerous mine blasts that have occurred in the liberated territories, not only the military but also the civilians have become victims of mine terrorism. According to the Azerbaijani Mine Action Agency, 289 civilians have fallen victim to mines and other explosive devices since the Patriotic War, including 51 killed and 238 injured. A total of 3,368 people, including 357 children and 38 women, have been killed or injured as a result of mine explosions since 1991 to date.

Despite repeated demands, Armenia still has not provided Azerbaijan with accurate maps of minefields. We think that the world community must unite in fighting against mine terrorism to protect the rights of people to life, welfare, and health. In this regard, Azerbaijan's statements and appeals to international and regional human rights organizations, national human rights institutions of various countries, as well as the special report have presented the facts related to the mine problem and demanded urgent action within the mandates. As the Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsperson) of Azerbaijan, I once again appeal to the international community to take a decisive stand to eliminate the existing problem and support the demining process."