UNDP: Mines hinder safe return of internally displaced people

The project “Supporting the Safe Return of Internally Displaced People Through the Capacity Building of the Mine Action Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (ANAMA)” is funded by the European Union and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) alongside the Government of Azerbaijan, Nuno Queirós, UNDP Resident Representative a.i., said at a conference on demining in Shusha jointly organized by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the ANAMA on February 7, Report informs.

He said that mines and other explosive ordnance hinder the safe return of internally displaced people, blocks them from accessing their homes and agricultural fields, hence depriving them of opportunities to rebuild their lives.

"It is because of this that humanitarian demining is such a critical and essential part of UNDP’s development efforts in Azerbaijan and is one of the top priorities that we share and work on with the Government. As a trusted partner of choice, UNDP, with its people-centred approach and expertise, has been supporting mine action initiatives for over 25 years and in over 40 countries including Azerbaijan," Nuno Queirós added.