Baku: President Ilham Aliyev addressed participants at the 4th International Mine Action Conference, emphasizing the importance of humanitarian demining for urban recovery. The conference, themed ‘Humanitarian Demining for Urban Recovery: Setting Standards of Excellence for Safe Settlements,’ serves as a platform for discussions on demining as a critical component of safe urban reconstruction, APA reports.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, President Aliyev highlighted the persistent threat posed by mines and unexploded ordnance worldwide, which continue to endanger lives and hinder infrastructure development long after conflicts have ended. He underscored the necessity of humanitarian demining for safe community development, especially in post-conflict urban recovery scenarios where safety and confidence must be restored alongside infrastructure.
Azerbaijan has faced significant demining challenges due to nearly 30 years of occupation by Armenia, resulting in extensive mine contamination. More than 13% of Azerbaijani territory is affected, with the liberated regions of Garabagh and East Zangezur particularly impacted. Since the end of the 2020 Patriotic War, 437 Azerbaijani citizens have become victims of mine incidents, including 73 fatalities.
President Aliyev also noted that the minefield maps provided by Armenia have been largely inaccurate, complicating demining operations in civilian areas such as roads, residential zones, and agricultural lands. Despite these challenges, Azerbaijan remains committed to overcoming the obstacles and ensuring the safe return of its citizens to their ancestral lands.
Humanitarian demining is central to Azerbaijan’s reconstruction efforts, with over 298,000 hectares cleared and more than 260,147 mines neutralized to date. The country employs advanced technologies and innovative approaches to enhance the efficiency of demining activities, aligning them with broader national priorities for socio-economic development outlined in ‘Azerbaijan 2030.’
Through the Great Return program, Azerbaijan is rebuilding cities and infrastructure, facilitating the return of internally displaced persons. Nearly 40,000 individuals have returned to their homes, with the population in Garabagh and East Zangezur exceeding 90,000. The Azerbaijani model of post-conflict reconstruction, combining demining with urban planning and governance, serves as a potential model for other regions facing similar challenges.
Internationally, Azerbaijan champions the recognition of humanitarian demining as a global priority, declaring it as the 18th National Sustainable Development Goal. The country calls for stronger international solidarity to support demining efforts with necessary resources and expertise.
President Aliyev expressed confidence that the conference would foster dialogue and cooperation, contributing to global efforts in building safe, resilient, and sustainable communities. He extended his best wishes to all participants for a successful conference.