Azerbaijan has made consistent efforts to keep mine action high on the international agenda, Deputy Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Samir Sharifov said during a panel session at the 4th International Mine Action Conference themed “Humanitarian Demining for Urban Recovery: Setting Standards of Excellence for Safe Settlements,” APA reports.
“Since 2022, Azerbaijan, in partnership with the United Nations, has hosted a series of international mine action conferences in Baku.
In 2023, at the initiative of the United Nations, the Non-Aligned Movement established an Azerbaijan-led Contact Group on Humanitarian Demining.
The activities of this group serve stronger coordination, exchange of experience, victim assistance and resource mobilization. Azerbaijan has also raised mine-related issues on other international platforms, including UNESCO and the United Nations. Our message is clear: the impact of mines goes far beyond the immediate threat of explosion they pose. This problem affects human rights, cultural heritage, development and long-term peace,” Samir Sharifov emphasized.
He called on international partners to increase their support for Azerbaijan in the field of mine action.
The deputy minister said that future assistance should take into account Azerbaijan’s national priorities and be practical and results-oriented. According to him, Azerbaijan’s key needs include technical surveys, information management, specialized equipment, financial support, assistance to mine victims and support for demining teams.
He emphasized the importance of ensuring that technical equipment is suitable for Azerbaijan’s terrain, climate and weather conditions. He noted that cooperation should not be limited to the provision of equipment but should also include local production, maintenance, training and technology transfer.
Samir Sharifov also highlighted the importance of long-term support for mine victims. He called for the provision of high-quality prosthetic services, physical rehabilitation, psychological support and the reintegration of mine victims into socio-economic life.
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