Ombudsperson warns: Mines impede Karabakh, Zangezur recovery efforts

Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsperson) of the Republic of Azerbaijan Sabina Aliyeva commented on the death of an ANAMA employee as a result of a mine explosion in Jabrayil.

"Mines buried by Armenia during the occupation period in Azerbaijani lands continue to threaten the lives of civilians and military personnel. As a result of explosions in the liberated territory of Jabrail district over the past two days, an employee of Azerbaijan's Mine Action Agency was killed and several civilians suffered injuries of varying degrees of severity.

Mines and unexploded ordnance in the territories liberated from occupation seriously impede the reconstruction and rehabilitation work in the region, the safe return of former internally displaced persons to their small homeland and their residence on these lands, as well as the right to a healthy environment while combating environmental problems and the complications caused by them," the statement reads.

Aliyeva noted that the absence of accurate maps detailing mines planted by Armenia over nearly three decades of occupation starkly illustrates their disregard for international law and humanitarian principles.

She underscored that international organizations must not turn a blind eye to Armenia's use of mines as a tool of terror. Aliyeva urged them to respond firmly to these military and environmental crimes, and humanitarian violations, including severe infringements on children's rights, and compel Armenia to provide Azerbaijan with precise mine maps.