Azerbaijan's Ombudsman Appeals to International Organizations Over Landmine Threat

Strategic Insights -

The Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Azerbaijan has issued an urgent appeal to international organizations, highlighting the persistent danger of landmines and unexploded military ordnance in their liberated territories. The Ombudsman's office has reported that five servicemen were injured in a landmine explosion in the Kalbajar district, underscoring the threat posed by the still-uncleared mines. The lack of accurate maps provided by Armenia has hindered reconstruction efforts, forced internally displaced persons to remain away from their native lands, and damaged the environment.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Azerbaijan has appealed to international organizations for assistance in clearing landmines and unexploded military ordnance from liberated territories.
  • The landmine incident in Kalbajar resulted in injuries to five servicemen, highlighting the ongoing threat posed by unexploded ordnance.
  • Azerbaijan has repeatedly requested accurate maps of landmines planted in their territories from Armenia, but this information has not been provided.
  • The lack of accurate maps is hindering the return of internally displaced persons to their native lands and obstructs reconstruction and restoration efforts.
  • The Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) has called for international organizations to exert pressure on Armenia to provide accurate mine maps and to respond to the committed military and environmental crimes.
  • The planted mines are causing serious damage to the environment and disrupting the ecological balance in the region.
  • The Ombudsman has expressed concern that the failure to clear landmines is a major hindrance to the return of internally displaced persons to their native lands.

Statistics:

  • Five servicemen were injured in a landmine explosion in the Kalbajar district.
  • The lack of accurate maps provided by Armenia has hindered reconstructions efforts.
  • The landmine threat remains a major concern in Azerbaijani liberated territories.
  • The Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) has issued multiple appeals to international organizations regarding the provision of accurate mine maps.

Sources:

  • Azeri-Press news agency
  • The Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Azerbaijan's Press Service