Ombudsman appeals to international organizations on Armenians

The United Nations has declared April 4 the International Day of Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action.

States continue to work with the United Nations and other relevant organizations to develop mine action skills in countries where landmines and explosive remnants of war pose a severe threat to civilians' security, health, and lives.

Report informs that the Ombudsman of Azerbaijan, Sabina Aliyeva, has prepared a video on the International Day of Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action.

The statement notes that despite repeated calls for Armenia to release maps of mined areas, it is unfortunate that the country has never shown a willingness to cooperate in this area: As a result of mine explosions in the liberated lands, 20 Azerbaijani citizens, including 12 civilians, were killed, and 85 citizens, including 17 civilians, were seriously injured. Burying mines near residential areas, especially rivers, road crossings, and cemeteries, is a gross violation of the 1949 Geneva Conventions and Annex I Protocol. "We still expect that Armenia will unconditionally fulfill its obligations to clear mines and promote lasting peace in the region and respect for human rights.

"We still expect that Armenia will unconditionally fulfill its obligations on mine clearance and contribute to establishing lasting peace in the region and respect for human rights.

While reiterating our concern about unmarked mines and their potential threat to human life, we call on all relevant international organizations to condemn Armenia for not disclosing mine maps and to take appropriate steps in this regard. "