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Azerbaijani Ombudsman issues statement on Kalbajar residents' facing mine threat

19 April 2022 11:50 (UTC +04:00)

Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Azerbaijan Sabina Aliyeva has issued a statement on mine threat, Ombudsman Apparatus told APA.

It has been noted in the statement that the mine problem that exists in Azerbaijan's liberated territories has claimed the lives of many people or caused them to receive a degree of lifelong disability besides delaying the return of IDPs to their native lands: "Number of Azerbaijanis, who have been killed and injured as a result of mine blasts after the end of the Second Karabakh War, is nearly 200. Another such tragedy was prevented during the visit, organized for the visit of residents of Gunashli village of Kalbajar district, to their homes last day. Thus, an anti-tank mine was detected in the village, where houses are close, thanks to the careful behavior of a serviceman of the Azerbaijani Army while accompanying one of the residents, in this way, the lives of 20 people including village residents, public bodies, and media representatives were saved at the latest moment.

It is assumed that those mines that can cause mass casualties have been planted during the period that has been given to Armenians for the evacuation of the Kalbajar region in 2020. Unfortunately, in a response to Azerbaijan's humanist approach, Armenia's criminal acts threaten the lives of innocent people. In June of the previous year, two journalists and an officer died as a result of the explosion of an anti-tank mine in this region.

Despite planting mines by the Armenian side near the settlements of civilians and several calls by the Azerbaijani side, not providing accurate mine maps leads to violation of the several fundamental human rights, as being contrary to the international humanitarian right. Although international organizations have been repeatedly appealed by our side in this regard, no result has been achieved.
As an Azerbaijani Ombudsman, I once again mention my concern regarding the mines, remind Armenia of its commitment to respect international law, and call on international organizations to support Azerbaijan in this issue by exhibiting a fair approach and decisive attitude," said Azerbaijani Ombudsman.