Europe turns spotlight on Azerbaijan’s mine problem

A panel discussion and photo exhibition themed “Humanitarian Mine Action: Toward a World Free from Explosive Threats” was held in Ljubljana, jointly organized by the Azerbaijani Embassy in Slovenia, the Azerbaijan Mine Action Agency (ANAMA), and ITF Enhancing Human Security.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Azerbaijan's Ambassador to Austria Rovshan Sadigbeyli spoke about the impact of the threat posed by mines on regional and international peace and security.

Emphasizing that Azerbaijan ranks among the countries most heavily contaminated by landmines and unexploded ordnance worldwide, Ambassador Rovshan Sadigbeyli said: “Humanitarian demining is one of the main priorities of Azerbaijani state policy and has been officially declared the 18th National Sustainable Development Goal.”

The event continued with panel discussions moderated by Samo Selimovič, Coordinator at the Peace Operations Training Centre under the Centre for European Perspective (CEP) of Slovenia.

Samir Poladov, Deputy Chairman of the Board of ANAMA, provided insight into the scale of the mine problem facing the country, efforts to clear the liberated territories of mines, the results achieved, and current challenges.

Samir Poladov noted that despite ongoing clearance operations, hundreds of people have lost their lives or sustained injuries as a result of mine explosions.

Emphasizing the importance of increasing international support and cooperation in the field of humanitarian demining, the ambassador underlined that the overwhelming majority of funds allocated for humanitarian demining activities in Azerbaijan are provided through domestic resources.

Tomaž Lovrenčič, Director of ITF Enhancing Human Security, briefed participants on the organization’s activities, current cooperation with ANAMA, and ongoing projects. He also addressed the rehabilitation and reintegration of mine victims into society.

Rory Logan, Chief of Operations at the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining, and Michael Heiman, APOPO Regional Manager, delivered extensive presentations on mine action activities, including cooperation with Azerbaijan and related projects.

The panel discussions focused on the use of advanced technologies alongside traditional methods in humanitarian demining in order to increase operational efficiency and reduce risks. Participants also exchanged views on technological advances in the field and raised questions.

Following the discussions, participants viewed a photo exhibition dedicated to Azerbaijan’s humanitarian mine action activities.