UN resident coordinator: Concerted efforts essential to speed up demining in Azerbaijan

Until the liberated territories of Azerbaijan are cleared of landmines, the safe return of internally displaced persons there remains impossible.

The UN Resident Coordinator in Azerbaijan Vladanka Andreeva made the statement at the Second International Humanitarian Conference on Mine Action in Aghdam with the theme "Fighting against landmine threats - the path to sustainable development", Report informs.

"As most conference participants know, it can cost as little as $1 to manufacture a landmine and more than $1,000 to safely defuse it. Mines threaten the safety, health, well-being, and lives of people in more than 60 countries. It is the most vulnerable, including women and children, who suffer the most.

According to the 2022 Landmine Monitor report, in 2021 alone, 5,544 people will be killed or injured by these dangerous devices. In the context of Azerbaijan, the grim reality is discouraging," said Vladanka Andreeva, adding that since 1991 a total of 3,377 people, including 358 children and 38 women, have been victims of landmines in Azerbaijan.

"In the last two years alone, 55 precious lives have been lost and another 244 people have been seriously injured. Until these areas are cleared of landmines, the safe return of internally displaced persons remains impossible. Moreover, building necessary infrastructure and roads, and cultivating agricultural land is also hampered," said the UN resident coordinator.

"These facts shed light on the urgent need for concerted efforts and resources to accelerate humanitarian demining activities in Azerbaijan," added Vladanka Andreeva.