An international seminar on the topic “Towards a Mine-Free World – the Example of Azerbaijan” was held in the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur, jointly organized by the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) and the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Malaysia.

At the international seminar, Aydin Safixanli, Head of the Office of the Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Azerbaijan, spoke online on the topic “The Impact of Landmines on Human Rights.”

In his speech, the head of the staff analyzed the impact of mines on human rights from the perspective of international humanitarian law and international law norms, drawing attention to the requirements of existing norms in this area. He emphasized that mines remain one of the greatest threats to the civilian population not only during armed conflict, but also in post-war periods. This threat directly affects people’s right to life, physical and psychological health, the right to freedom of movement, the right to live in a healthy environment, education and labor rights. The mine terrorism carried out by Armenia, in addition to harming people’s lives and health, the environment, is accompanied by gross violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law.

The seminar participants were informed that humanitarian demining is one of the main priorities of the Azerbaijani state, that the Azerbaijan Mine Action Agency (ANAMA) is carrying out important activities in this direction, and that the difficulties created by Armenia’s failure to provide accurate mine maps were brought to their attention.

It was noted that the Azerbaijani Ombudsman carries out consistent and systematic activities to protect the rights of mine victims, provide them with social reintegration and medical and psychological support, and draws attention to human rights violations resulting from Armenia’s mine terrorism through reports, statements and special reports addressed to international organizations.

It was noted that the process of carrying out rehabilitation and reconstruction works in mine-contaminated areas and the return of more than 800,000 former internally displaced persons (IDPs) whose rights have been violated for thirty years to their native lands is seriously delayed, resulting in violations of the fundamental human rights of these people.

At the end of his speech, the Chief of Staff called on international organizations not to remain indifferent to Armenia’s mine terrorism and violations of human rights and freedoms, to support Azerbaijan’s activities in the field of mine clearance, and to make serious efforts to provide our country with accurate mine maps.