BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 3. Humanitarian
demining is not only a prerequisite for reconstruction, but also
the first step toward recovery, UN-Habitat Regional Director for
Eastern Europe and Central Asia, Erfan Ali, said, Trend's correspondent reports
from the event.


Erfan Ali made the announcement in his address at the 4th
International Mine Action Conference themed “Humanitarian Demining
for Urban Recovery: Setting Standards of Excellence for Safe
Settlements.”


The regional director noted that before a family can return
home, a school can resume operations, or a road can restore
connectivity between communities, the land must be safe. That is
why humanitarian demining is not only a prerequisite for
reconstruction but also the beginning of recovery.


He noted that for UN-Habitat, humanitarian demining is a
fundamental component of urban policy, planning, and financing.


“Without cleared areas, it is impossible to develop effective
urban development plans, ensure the protection of property rights,
maintain functioning infrastructure networks, or create reliable
opportunities for internally displaced persons and refugees to
return to their homes with dignity.”


Azerbaijan has taken an important step in this direction by
adopting the 18th National Sustainable Development Goal, “Action to
Combat the Threat of Landmines.” This goal recognizes landmine
contamination as a complex and multifaceted obstacle to safe
return, resettlement, recovery, prosperity, and peace.







In addition, demining in Azerbaijan is closely integrated into
the broader “Great Return” program, as well as into the ongoing
recovery and reconstruction process in the Karabakh and East
Zangezur economic regions, he noted.


On September 2, the 4th International Mine Action Conference,
themed “Humanitarian Demining for Urban Recovery: Setting Standards
of Excellence for Safe Settlements,” was organized jointly by the
Agency for Mine Action of the Republic of Azerbaijan (ANAMA) and
the United Nations Office in Azerbaijan.


The event will feature panel discussions on the topics “Demining
as the Foundation for Urban Recovery,” “International Cooperation
and Donor Mechanisms to Support Safe Demining in Azerbaijan,” and
“Humanitarian Demining for Sustainable Community Development.”


The conference will wrap up today. The conference statement is
scheduled to be adopted at the conclusion of the event.