During the 57th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, a joint statement titled "Addressing the impacts of landmines and explosive remnants of war on human rights" was released.
Report informs that the statement, initiated by Albania, Azerbaijan, Chile, Mozambique, Panama, and Croatia, was delivered by the representative of Croatia.
The statement, issued under the agenda item "Promotion and protection of all human rights, civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to development," emphasized that "landmines and explosive remnants of war have both immediate and long-term negative impacts on a wide range of human rights, including the rights to life, health, education, work, and freedom of movement."
Furthermore, the statement specifically highlighted that landmines also hamper the safe return of internally displaced persons (IDPs). In this regard, the signatories called upon the UN Human Rights Council to take concrete steps in addressing the impacts of landmines and explosive remnants of war on human rights.
The statement unequivocally noted that the responsibility for human rights violations resulting from landmine explosions lies with the states using them: "States' human rights obligations should inform their national and international policies in addressing the problems associated with the use and presence of landmines. The exchange of mine maps is one of the most important duties of international cooperation enshrined in international human rights law, which, in turn, is one of the foundations of lasting peace and sustainable development, according to the UN secretary-general."
At the time of its release, the statement was supported and signed by a broad cross-regional group of 65 countries representing Europe, Africa, Latin America, and Asia.
The initiative for a joint statement on this topic was first voiced by the representative of the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry during the conference "Harnessing human rights towards a mine-free world: Restoring victims’ rights, promoting sustainable development and peace" held at the UN Geneva headquarters on June 27. Additionally, Azerbaijani diplomats acted as co-authors in the preparation of this document, which was supported by a broad coalition of 65 countries.