Azerbaijan's ex permanent representative urges UN to address mine contamination problem

Azerbaijan's Former Permanent Representative to the UN, Yashar Aliyev, called on UN Secretary-General António Guterres to address the extensive mine contamination of Azerbaijani territories, which threatens civilian population, slows down regional recovery, and prevents the return of displaced persons to their native lands, Report informs, citing the diplomat's letter to the UN Secretary-General dated December 12, 2024.

Aliyev noted that Azerbaijan continues to face the consequences of decades-long Armenian occupation. More than 1.5 million mines and other explosive devices have been discovered in liberated territories, that posed danger to civilians, military personnel, peacekeepers, and humanitarian workers.

"As a result of Armenia's military aggression, tens of thousands of Azerbaijani citizens were killed, more than 700,000 people were forced to leave their homes, and a significant part of the country's sovereign territory was under illegal occupation for about 30 years," the diplomat stated in his address.

He emphasized that 3,461 citizens, including 359 children and 38 women, have been affected by mines during the conflict. After the conflict ended, there were 382 mine victims, of whom 70 died and 312 were severely injured. The mine contamination problem hampers infrastructure restoration projects and the return of about 700,000 displaced persons.

According to Aliyev, mines were planted not only near the former frontline but also in settlements, cemeteries, and cultural sites, causing maximum damage to civilians. He emphasized that Armenia's refusal to provide minefield maps violates international humanitarian law, including the right to life and freedom of movement.

Azerbaijan has included humanitarian demining in its National Sustainable Development Goals as the 18th goal. The diplomat called on the international community to increase pressure on Armenia to provide complete information about minefields to ensure civilian safety and sustainable development of liberated territories.

On December 20, Yashar Aliyev was recalled from his position as Azerbaijan's Permanent Representative to the United Nations.