BAKU — Speaking at the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister, Jeyhun Bayramov, emphasized the significant challenges posed by landmines in Azerbaijan’s recently liberated territories, which hinder post-conflict rehabilitation and the safe return of displaced citizens.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, Bayramov detailed the extensive efforts by the Azerbaijani government to facilitate the return of life to areas devastated by prolonged military occupation. He lamented the severe impediment created by widespread landmine contamination, which continues to jeopardize the country’s reconstruction and rehabilitation initiatives.

Since the conflict’s cessation in 2020, landmines have claimed the lives of 377 individuals, including many civilians, underscoring the urgency of mine clearance for ensuring safe resettlement. In response, Azerbaijan has prioritized a national goal, designated SDG18, to bolster mine action—a move calling for a ramp-up in international support.

The Foreign Minister expressed gratitude towards the international community for their contributions to de-mining efforts and reiterated the call for increased global solidarity and support to enhance Azerbaijan’s humanitarian mine action capabilities.