BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 22. During the UNGA81
First Committee thematic discussions on conventionalweapons,
Azerbaijan informed the Committee that for nearly three decades,
parts of its territory that were under occupation served as a “grey
zone”, creating conditions conducive to illicit activity, including
the trafficking of conventional arms, ammunition and related
material. It was emphasised that, following the restoration of its
sovereignty, Azerbaijan strengthened border controls in these
areas, thereby reducing the risk of such illicit trafficking.
This is stated on the X page of the Permanent Mission of
Azerbaijan to the United Nations.
"Particular attention was drawn to the landmine threat in
Azerbaijan. Over the past three decades, more than 3,500 people
have fallen victim to landmines and explosive remnants of war.
Since November 2020 alone, 443 Azerbaijani citizens, including
women and children, have been killed or injured, with the number
continuing to rise.
The statement underscored that, beyond the immediate threat to
human life, extensive landmine contamination continues to impede
reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts, restrict the use of
agricultural land, and hinder the safe and dignified return of
internally displaced persons to their places of origin.
Addressing the persistent landmine threat in Azerbaijan requires
sustained international solidarity, stronger partnerships and
enhanced assistance for humanitarian mine action," the statement
said.
