Azerbaijan ranks among the top 10 countries with a mine problem in the world, President of the International Eurasian Press Fund and Chairman of the Public Council under the Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA) Umud Mirzayev said.
He noted there are more than 1.5 million mines in Azerbaijan. This significantly complicates the implementation of the Great Return Program, the safe return of former internally displaced persons to their homelands, as well as the construction of new settlements and infrastructure projects.
The official noted that the mine problem is not only a political issue but primarily a human and humanitarian problem.
"This is a global challenge related to human life, security, and the welfare of future generations. Even if the war ends, mines will continue to endanger people's lives for decades. The UN also assesses this threat as a global humanitarian issue," Umud Mirzayev said.
After the Second Karabakh War, approximately 260,000 hectares of land in Azerbaijan have been cleared of mines, he noted.
"Although this is an important result, considering the total volume of contaminated areas, it is clear that there is still much work to be done," Umud Mirzayev said.
