On April 4th, in commemoration of the International Mine Awareness and Mine Action Assistance Day, a diverse assembly convened in Tartar, including members of the Public Council under the Mine Action Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (ANAMA), leaders from prominent Azerbaijani NGOs, representatives of international organizations, and the pioneering female deminers trained by the International Eurasia Press Fund (IEPF). The event also saw the participation of experts from Non-Technical Investigation and Explosive Ordnance Awareness projects, as well as survivors of landmine incidents and their families.
Umud Mirzayev, President of IEPF and Chairman of the Public Council under ANAMA, delivered a compelling address shedding light on the global scourge of landmines and its profound impact on Azerbaijan:
"In the last half-century, over 60 million individuals across more than 60 countries have fallen victim to mine-related disasters. Azerbaijan stands among the nations most severely afflicted by this menace, ranking among the top 10 countries globally and even claiming the third spot in terms of landmine density within its borders. Today, a concerted effort, spearheaded by members of the Public Council, civil society organizations, mine survivors, and numerous NGOs, is underway in Azerbaijan under the auspices of the Mine Agency."
Mr. Mirzayev underscored the critical need to raise awareness and garner support for addressing this humanitarian crisis, emphasizing Azerbaijan's commitment to advancing the 18th Sustainable Development Goal:
"We have made strides towards addressing this issue domestically, aligning with the objectives outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals. President Ilham Aliyev has expressed his support for this initiative, signaling our nation's dedication to this cause. It is imperative that we amplify our efforts to shed light on the plight faced by our nation and appeal to the international community for assistance and solidarity."
Mr. Mirzayev lamented the prevailing indifference towards Azerbaijan's plight, stressing that the issue transcends national boundaries:
"Despite the eviction of the occupying forces from our lands, we continue to grapple with the aftermath. The recent tragic incident in Tartar serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by landmines. This is not just Azerbaijan's problem; it is a crime against humanity. Our adversaries have laid bare their barbarity, inflicting harm upon innocent civilians. Today, approximately 500 individuals in Azerbaijan bear the scars of mine-related incidents. Urgent action is imperative, yet according to global estimates, it could take a millennium to fully address this issue."
Commending ANAMA's efforts and the government's support, U. Mirzayev expressed optimism for the future:
"ANAMA, bolstered by government resources, has made significant strides in mine clearance operations. The rapid progress witnessed underscores the efficacy of our collective efforts. Educational initiatives abound, further bolstering our resolve. I am confident that our unity and solidarity will expedite the resolution of this pressing issue. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to my colleagues and media partners for their unwavering commitment to this cause."
