The numerous mines laid by Armenia during the years of occupation of Azerbaijani territories continue to pose a serious threat to the restoration of life in the de-occupied territories, causing numerous casualties. The threat remains even after the cessation of hostilities between the parties in 2020, reads an article by Tazeen Akhtar, member of the Council of Newspaper Editors of Pakistan, an expert on the South Caucasus and Central Asia.

The author notes that Azerbaijan remains one of the most mine-polluted countries in the world, about 12% of the country's territory is still mined with 1.5 million mines and a large number of unexploded ordnance. The expert emphasizes that mines not only take the lives of civilians, but also cause serious damage to the environment and fertile lands of the region.

"The land mines are not only taking the lives of innocent people but also damaging the environment and the fertility of the soil as well. This side of the problem was highlighted in the 29th Session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change – COP29, hosted by Azerbaijan in Baku. The parties have been working on this topic under the theme “Mitigating Environmental Impact of Landmines: Resource Mobilization for Safe and Green Future,”. A conference particularly covered the issue in May 2024.

Plastic waste resulting from an explosion entails environmental consequences by negatively impacting soil structure. Mines that remain unearthed for a long time can lead to hazardous chemical reactions. The soil not in use due to the threat of mines is subjected to erosion and abrasion," the author wrote.

"Azerbaijan has simultaneously launched multiple initiatives to attract the international community’s attention to this matter. The country, last year, officially declared humanitarian de-mining as the 18th National Sustainable Development Goal, and working to ensure the recognition of this issue as the UN’s 18th Global SDG.

An initiative has been launched to establish a Special Contact Group on Humanitarian De-mining within the Non-Aligned Movement. The Contact Group has been operating since September 2023.

Armenia can be seen in her continued reluctance to providing the maps of the mines that can surely help the victim country to save lives from further loss. The steady increase in the number of mine victims is associated with Armenia’s refusal to provide accurate maps of the mines. International community, especially the supporters of Armenia, who also pose as the mediators and peace lovers, should persuade Armenia to act humanely by sharing the maps of the land mines."

Fatima Shukurova // EDnews