Every month, 500-800 people become victims of landmines worldwide, Chairman of Azerbaijan's parliamentary committee on defense, security and anti-corruption Arzu Nagiyev said at today's committee meeting, Report informs.
He noted that 12% of Azerbaijan's territory is seriously contaminated with mines: "Humanitarian demining operations are carried out after the end of the war. Azerbaijan is among the most mine-contaminated countries in the world."
The committee chairman emphasized that over 3,400 Azerbaijani citizens have been affected by landmines, more than 270 of whom died: "358 mine victims are children, 38 are women."
The parliamentarian also added that the new draft law "On Demining Activities" plays an important role in defining state policy.