Azerbaijan among world's top 10 countries with severe mine contamination

Azerbaijan ranks among the ten countries most affected by landmines, Umud Mirzayev, president of the International Eurasia Press Foundation and head of the Public Council under the Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA), said, as quoted by Report.

The official told journalists that more than 1.5 million mines remain across the country.

"The presence of mines significantly complicates the implementation of the ‘Great Return' programme, safe resettlement of former displaced persons, and the construction of new settlements and infrastructure projects," Mirzayev said.

He stressed that the mine problem is not only political but primarily a humanitarian issue, affecting the safety and lives of people.

"The UN also recognises this threat as a global humanitarian concern that requires international cooperation. Since the end of the Second Karabakh War, around 260,000 hectares of land in Azerbaijan have been cleared of mines. Despite this progress, large areas remain contaminated, and much work is still ahead," he added.

The remarks come ahead of April 4, which is observed as International Mine Awareness Day and a day of support for demining activities.