BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 2. President of the
Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev addressed the participants of
the 4th International Mine Action Conference themed “Humanitarian
Demining for Urban Recovery: Setting Standards of Excellence for
Safe Settlements.”
This was reported by the Press Service of the President of
Azerbaijan.
"Dear Conference participants,
I welcome you on the occasion of the opening of the 4th
International Mine Action Conference themed “Humanitarian Demining
for Urban Recovery: Setting Standards of Excellence for Safe
Settlements.”
For several consecutive years, the international mine action
conferences hosted by Azerbaijan, in close cooperation with the
United Nations, have served as important platform for addressing
one of the most serious humanitarian, security and development
challenges of our time.
Regretfully mines and unexploded ordnance continue to threaten
human life and security in many parts of the world. Long after
conflicts are over, explosive hazards continue to take lives,
injure civilians, damage infrastructure and slow reconstruction
projects. In this regard, humanitarian demining is an imperative
commitment for safe communities.
Urban recovery in post-conflict territories requires along with
reconstruction of buildings, roads and public infrastructure the
restoration of safety and confidence. No city, village or
settlement can be fully rebuilt, no school or hospital can function
safely, no family can return with dignity and no economic activity
can develop sustainably unless the land is free from mines and
explosive remnants of war. Therefore, humanitarian demining stands
at the very foundation of urban recovery and the creation of safe
human settlements.
Azerbaijan has faced this challenge in its most severe form. As
a result of nearly 30 years of occupation of its territories by
Armenia, our country has become one of the most mine-contaminated
countries in the world. According to preliminary estimates, more
than 13% of the territory of Azerbaijan is affected by mines and
unexploded ordnance. The liberated territories of Garabagh and East
Zangezur remain heavily contaminated, creating serious obstacles to
reconstruction, economic activity, safe mobility and the return of
former internally displaced persons to their native lands.
Since the end of the Patriotic War in 2020, 437 Azerbaijani
citizens have fallen victim to mine and explosive ordnance
incidents, including civilians, servicemen, deminers, journalists
and persons involved in reconstruction activities, resulting in 73
deaths and 364 severe injuries. Overall, since the beginning of
Armenia’s aggression against Azerbaijan, more than 3500 of our
citizens have suffered from mines. Among them are children, women
and other civilians whose lives have been tragically affected by
this hidden threat.
The scale of the challenge is further aggravated by the fact
that the minefield maps provided by Armenia have been largely
inaccurate and incomplete. Mines and booby traps have been found
not only in former military positions, but also along roads, near
residential areas, in cemeteries, agricultural lands, forests,
riverbanks and other civilian locations. Nevertheless, Azerbaijan
remains firmly committed to overcoming these challenges and
ensuring the safe, dignified and sustainable return of its citizens
to their ancestral lands.
Humanitarian demining is an integral and crucial component of
Azerbaijan’s reconstruction and rehabilitation program in the
liberated territories. The rebuilding of cities and villages,
restoration of infrastructure, development of transport and energy
networks, revival of agriculture and creation of new residential
settlements are carried out in close and precise coordination with
mine action activities.
Large-scale demining operations are being carried out across the
liberated territories. To date, more than 298 thousand hectares of
land have been cleared, and 260,147 mines and unexploded ordnance
have been detected and neutralized. Azerbaijan introduces advanced
technologies, innovative approaches and modern management systems
to increase the speed, safety and effectiveness of mine
clearance.
Mine action in Azerbaijan is directly linked with broader
national priorities. It supports reconstruction, safe return,
agricultural revival, infrastructure development, environmental
protection, social reintegration and economic recovery. It also
contributes to the implementation of the National Priorities for
Socio-Economic Development: Azerbaijan 2030, particularly the
priority of the Great Return to the liberated territories.
Within Great Return program cities and villages destroyed during
the occupation are being rebuilt, modern infrastructure, roads,
tunnels, airports, energy facilities, schools, hospitals, cultural
monuments and residential settlements are being restored. The
practical results of this policy are already visible. To date,
almost 40,000 former internally displaced persons have returned to
their homes in the liberated territories. Overall, the number of
people currently living in Garabagh and East Zangezur has exceeded
90,000. Azerbaijan is developing and applying advanced models of
post-conflict reconstruction, rehabilitation and governance which
combine mine action, urban planning, infrastructure development,
environmental restoration, digital solutions, social services,
public administration and the return of former internally displaced
persons within a single coordinated framework. In a short period of
time, territories that were devastated and depopulated during the
occupation are being transformed into places of life, work,
education and opportunity.
While many challenges remain, the results achieved so far
demonstrate the effectiveness of Azerbaijan’s integrated approach.
We are ready to share this experience with countries and regions
facing similar consequences of conflict, because we believe that
the Azerbaijani model of demining, reconstruction and return may be
of practical interest to many partners across the world.
Azerbaijan has also taken important initiatives to promote mine
action at the international level. The importance of safe and
resilient settlements and demining was at the center of global
discussions during the 13th Session of the World Urban Forum,
successfully hosted by Azerbaijan in Baku.
In addition, our country has declared humanitarian demining as
the 18th National Sustainable Development Goal and continues to
advocate for the recognition of this issue as a global
priority.
The mine problem requires stronger international solidarity.
Azerbaijan carries out the main burden of both humanitarian
demining and the overall reconstruction and rehabilitation process
in the liberated territories through its own national resources.
However, the scale of contamination, the urgency of reconstruction
and the humanitarian importance of safe return require broader and
more practical support from the international community.
Predictable funding, modern equipment, technical expertise,
training, technology transfer and long-term partnerships are
essential for accelerating mine clearance and reducing the
suffering caused by mines.
I am confident that this Conference will provide a valuable
platform for open dialogue, exchange of experience and development
of practical cooperation. The discussions held in Baku will
contribute to strengthening international mine action standards,
promoting innovation, supporting safe urban recovery and advancing
our common objective of building safe, resilient and sustainable
communities.
I extend my best wishes to all participants and wish the
Conference every success," the address reads.
