Baku: The 4th International Mine Action Conference, themed 'Humanitarian Demining for Urban Recovery: Setting Standards of Excellence for Safe Settlements,' has commenced in Baku, Azerbaijan. This significant event brings together international experts, organizations, and stakeholders to tackle the pressing issues surrounding mine action and its critical role in urban recovery and rebuilding safe communities.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, Azerbaijan, in collaboration with the United Nations, has been at the forefront of hosting international mine action conferences for several years. These conferences have served as crucial platforms for addressing the persistent threats posed by mines and unexploded ordnance, which continue to endanger lives, impede security, and hinder development long after conflicts have ended. Humanitarian demining is vital for ensuring the safe return of communities and the sustainable reconstruction of urban areas.
Azerbaijan continues to grapple with the severe impact of mines due to nearly three decades of territorial occupation by Armenia. Preliminary estimates indicate that over 13% of Azerbaijan's territory remains affected by mines and unexploded ordnance, particularly in the liberated areas of Garabagh and East Zangezur. This contamination poses significant challenges to reconstruction, economic activities, and the safe return of former internally displaced persons.
Since the conclusion of the Patriotic War in 2020, 437 Azerbaijani citizens have been victims of mine and explosive ordnance incidents, resulting in 73 deaths and 364 severe injuries. The scale of the challenge is compounded by inaccurate and incomplete minefield maps provided by Armenia, with mines found in various civilian locations. Despite these obstacles, Azerbaijan remains committed to overcoming these challenges and ensuring the safe return of its citizens to their ancestral lands.
Humanitarian demining forms an essential part of Azerbaijan's reconstruction efforts in the liberated territories. The country has cleared over 298,000 hectares of land and neutralized 260,147 mines and unexploded ordnance to date. By incorporating advanced technologies and innovative approaches, Azerbaijan aims to enhance the speed, safety, and effectiveness of mine clearance operations.
This mine action effort aligns with Azerbaijan's broader national priorities, supporting reconstruction, safe return, infrastructure development, and economic recovery. It also contributes to the implementation of the National Priorities for Socio-Economic Development: Azerbaijan 2030, particularly focusing on the Great Return to the liberated territories.
The Great Return program emphasizes rebuilding cities and villages, restoring infrastructure, and facilitating the return of former internally displaced persons. Nearly 40,000 individuals have returned to their homes in the liberated areas, with the overall population in Garabagh and East Zangezur exceeding 90,000. Azerbaijan's integrated approach combines mine action, urban planning, and infrastructure development within a coordinated framework, transforming devastated territories into thriving communities.
Azerbaijan is also actively promoting mine action on the international stage. The country declared humanitarian demining as the 18th National Sustainable Development Goal and advocates for its recognition as a global priority. The 13th Session of the World Urban Forum, hosted in Baku, highlighted the importance of demining and resilient settlements in global discussions.
The Azerbaijani government calls for stronger international solidarity to tackle the mine problem. While Azerbaijan bears the primary responsibility for demining and reconstruction, broader international support, including funding, technical expertise, and partnerships, is essential for accelerating these efforts.
The ongoing International Mine Action Conference in Baku provides a platform for dialogue, experience exchange, and practical cooperation. It aims to strengthen international mine action standards, promote innovation, and support safe urban recovery, contributing to the shared goal of building safe and sustainable communities worldwide.