Udenrigsudvalget 2024-25
URU Alm.del Bilag 219
Offentligt
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AZaRBAYCAN RESPUBLiKASININ Milli MaCLiSi
MILLI MAJLIS OF THE REPUBLIC OF AZERBAIJAN
Beynalxalq Munasibatlar va Parlarnentlararast 81aqalar Komitasi
Committee on Foreign and lnterparliamentary Relations
NQ 1-6/07 /15/2-32/2025
"__Qj_"
May
2025
Ms. Lise BECH
Chairperson of the Foreign Affairs Committee
of the Parliament of Denmark
Dear Colleague,
I am writing to bring to your attention a serious humanitarian concern: the extensive
contamination of Azerbaijan's recently liberated territories with landmines and explosive remnants
of war (ERW). This persistent threat continues to endanger civilian lives, obstructs reconstruction
efforts, and prevents the safe return of nearly 800,000 internally displaced persons.
Enclosed with this letter you can find "Report on Mine Action in Azerbaijan: Priorities and Needs,"
which outlines the country's ongoing demining efforts and highlights urgent areas requiring
international support.
We respectfully call on our interparliamentary partners to express solidarity with Azerbaijan by
condemning the indiscriminate use of landmines and urging the full disclosure of minefield maps. In
addition, we welcome any form of practical assistance, including technical expertise, support for
mine victims, and institutional cooperation.
Your engagement and support are essential to helping Azerbaijan address this humanitarian
crisis and to fostering lasting peace, security, and development in the affected regions.
Sincerely,
Samad Seyidov
Chairman of the Committee
Tel.: (99412) 4937415
Parlament prospekti 1. indeks: AZ1152, Bakr, Azarbaycan Fax: (99412) 4920845
1. Parliament ave., index: AZ1152, Baku, Azerbaijan
E-mail: [email protected]
E-mail: [email protected]
 URU, Alm.del - 2024-25 - Bilag 219: Henvendelse af 21. maj 2025 fra Aserbajdsjans parlament om opfordring til international støtte til minerydning og humanitær indsats
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 URU, Alm.del - 2024-25 - Bilag 219: Henvendelse af 21. maj 2025 fra Aserbajdsjans parlament om opfordring til international støtte til minerydning og humanitær indsats
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Contents
Executive Summary
Scope and Extent of the Mine Problem in Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan's Policy and Practice in Mine Action
Institutional Framework and Key Stakeholders
Clearance operations
Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE)
Victim Assistance
Foreign assistance and international cooperation
Foreign assistance
International cooperation
Annual international conference on landmine problem
Devising a Sustainable Development Goal on landmine problem
Highlighting environmental impact of landmines
Emphasizing the impact of land mines on cultural property
Non-Aligned Movement Contact Group on Humanitarian Demining
Key Priorities for International Assistance
List of Annexes
Annex 1: Map depicting mine incidents from November 2020 to Marchr 31
th
2025
Annex 2: lnfographic
4
5
6
4
8
8
10
14
14
16
16
17
17
15
18
19
20
21
22
j
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Executive Summary
The Republic of Azerbaijan faces a significant challenge due to landmine and explosive remnants
of war (ERW) contamination as a result of nearly three decades of military occupation by Armenia.
The end of war in 2020 marked the beginning of an extensive humanitarian demining initiative to
restore safety in the liberated territories, facilitating the reconstruction of these areas and the safe
return of former internally displaced persons (IDPs). This quarterly report provides general
information on the mine problem in Azerbaijan and outlines the achievements and challenqes in
mine action in the period from January to March 2025.
Key Findings:
Azerbaijan is among the most heavily
mine-contaminated countries globally,
with an estimated 1 .5 million landmines
and
unknown
number
of
ERW
contaminating more than 13 % of nation's
territories, posing severe risks to civilians
and
hindering
socio-economic
development.
Over the last 30 years, the cumulative toll
of landmine victims in Azerbaijan is more
than 3400.
From the end of war in 2020 until
31 March 2025, 231 landmine explosion
incidents occurred, resulting in 384 victims, including children-youths and women,
underscoring the urgent need for mine clearance and victim assistance.
Since the start of large-scale humanitarian demining in 2020, foreign assistance has accounted
for only 4.8% of the resources dedicated to humanitarian demining in Azerbaijan. This is
notably low, both in light of the gravity of demining challenges Azerbaijan confronts and when
compared to the level of contributions typically made by the international donor community to
similar issues elsewhere.
Armenia's refusal to present accurate maps of landmines it planted on Azerbaijani territory
complicates the demining efforts and obstructs return of 800,000 former IDPs to their homes.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Progress Made:
1.
The Mine Action Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (ANAMA), in collaboration with
partners, has spearheaded demining operations, capacity building initiatives, and awareness-
raising activities to mitigate the risks posed by landmines and ERW.
2.
Since the end of war in 2020, important progress has been attained in demining operations,
with a total of 190 794.2 hectares of land successfully cleared of 58 086 mines and 133 518
ERW. The total area cleared constitutes approximately 16.4% of the total estimated
contaminated area, and the number of found landmines constitutes approximately 3. 9% of the
estimated 1,5 million landmines.
3.
In the 1
st
quarter of 2025 alone, 11,002.4 hectares of land were cleared of 1,626 mines and
12,330 ERW.
This report emphasizes the critical role of international cooperation and assistance in addressing
the landmine problem in Azerbaijan. Enhanced global partnership is essential for accelerating
 URU, Alm.del - 2024-25 - Bilag 219: Henvendelse af 21. maj 2025 fra Aserbajdsjans parlament om opfordring til international støtte til minerydning og humanitær indsats
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demining operations, supporting victim assistance programs, and ensuring the safe and dignified
return of former I DPs to their homes, thereby contributing to regional stability and development.
Scope and Extent of the Mine Problem in Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan is currently facing one of the most severe challenges related to landmines and ERW
globally, a situation resulting directly from almost three decades of military occupation by Armenia.
The laying of land mines by Armenia occurred not only during the armed conflict but also continued
after its end on November 10, 2020. Armenia's emplacement of land mines persisted until its
remaining troops were compelled to vacate Azerbaijani territory as a result of the anti-terror
measures conducted by Azerbaijan on September 19-20, 2023.
What exacerbates these dire circumstances is
the fact that Armenia deployed these
landmines in an indiscriminate manner, devoid
of any military necessity and without
appropriate
markings
required
under
international law. Armenia's refusal to present
accurate maps of landmines it planted on
Azerbaijani territory
further complicates
matters. This reckless attitude and steps by
Armenia considerably obstruct demining
operations.
The landmine contamination in Azerbaijan
_
remains a pressing issue. Our comprehensive
surveys have made substantial progress, allowing to gather more accurate data on the extent of
contamination. Through extensive efforts and the application of advanced methodologies, we are
able to continuously refine our assessments. The latest survey indicates that total contaminated
area in the liberated territories of Azerbaijan stands at approximately 11,667 square kilometers.
This area constitutes approximately 13.47% of the nation's total territory (the previous figure was
11.88%) of 86,600 square kilometers. Estimated 1,5 million landmines and an unknown number of
ERW contaminated those areas.
The contaminated areas span diverse terrains, including 60% flat agricultural lands, 30% grassy
hills, and 10% mountainous regions. This widespread contamination affects areas that are crucial
for the nation's agricultural productivity and the restoration of everyday life in the liberated
territories.
The extensive contamination from these explosives poses an obstacle to development, perpetually
endangering human lives and hindering the safe return of former IDPs into their ancestral
territories. The omnipresent landmines, alongside the extensive destruction of civilian
infrastructure, stand as the primary impediments to the expedited return of former I DPs.
These mines significantly restrict access to indispensable resources, damage environment,
obstruct agricultural endeavors, and delay the essential reconstruction and development of
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infrastructure, thereby exacerbating the challenges former I DPs face in their quest to return to their
original homes.
The human toll of this contamination in Azerbaijan is immense. Unmarked and unfenced
deployment of mines continues to be a deadly hazard, significantly threatening the lives of innocent
civilians. 231 incidents of landmine explosions were recorded, resulting in 384 casualties, including
70 fatalities, from 2020 up to March 31, 2025 (Table 1.). Among the victims 11 were children-
youths, 2 were women.
Table 1. Number of victims by devices since 2020 (as of 31.03.2025)
ATM
156
APM
177
Cluster
12
UXO/NA
39
Total
384
Notably, 263 individuals were affected by
landmine incidents in regions beyond the
former contact line, and there were 12
casualties due to cluster munitions. Over the
last 30 years, the cumulative toll of landmine
, victims is more than 3400.
Azerbaijan's Policy and Practice in Mine Action
Azerbaijan has developed a comprehensive policy framework and solid capacity to tackle the
challenges posed by landmines, reflecting a multifaceted approach that prioritizes human security.
This policy also underscores the nation's commitment to fostering international human solidarity,
actively pursuing global initiatives aimed at mitigating the impact of landmines. By seeking
collaborative efforts and partnerships, Azerbaijan demonstrates its dedication to a collective
response to this pressing issue.
The newly proposed "Law on Mine Action" was voted on and subsequently adopted by the
Parliament of Azerbaijan. Consisting of 3 chapters and 14 articles, the new law will regulate and
govern mine action activities, including the organization and implementation of demining
operations in Azerbaijan.
Institutional Framework and Key Stakeholders
ANAMA stands as the primary entity tasked with overseeing humanitarian demining initiatives
within the country. Established in 1998, ANAMA embarked on its mission to mitigate the socio-
economic repercussions of landmines and ERW by launching humanitarian demining operations
 URU, Alm.del - 2024-25 - Bilag 219: Henvendelse af 21. maj 2025 fra Aserbajdsjans parlament om opfordring til international støtte til minerydning og humanitær indsats
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in 2000. Following the liberation of occupied territories in late 2020, ANAMA underwent a strategic
restructuring via a Presidential Decree in February 2021, aimed at enhancing its capacity to plan,
coordinate, and supervise humanitarian demining efforts nationwide.
This restructuring has facilitated the involvement of national stakeholders, alongside local and
international NGOs, in mine action activities across Azerbaijan, ensuring all demining operations
align with the International Mine Action Standards (IMAS).
Table 2 Operational resources for
humeniienen
mine clearance (as of 31.03.2025)
Agencies / companies
ANAMA
Ministry of Defense
Ministry of Emergency
Situations
State Border Service
Local commercial
operators:
Alpha Demining
Qaya Safety
Solutions
Safe Point
Azerbaijan
Demining Company
Operational
staff
Mine detection
dogs
Mine clearance
machines
1 931
181
48
43
339
99
71
111
58
2,542
119
9
6
54
19
4
0
10
2
3
2
3
87
0
47
20
8
10
9
181
Total
An lnteragency Working Group on the Clearance of Mines and Unexploded Ordnance has been
established to monitor the progress and ensure quality control of demining activities, in accordance
with the annual demining plan. This group convened five times in the fourth quarter of 2024 to
review operations and enforce standards.
Furthermore,
ANAMA
has significantly invested in capacity building in 2025, organizing training
sessions covering 5 different subjects for mine clearance personnel from various agencies. During
this period, 616 new recruits participated in basic humanitarian demining and battle area clearance
courses, while 114 staff members attended in-service training at the ANAMA's Goygol Training
Center.
Alongside ANAMA, which leads the process with 1,931 operational staff, 119 mine detection dogs,
and 54 mechanical demining machines, the Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Emergency Situations,
State Border Service, and various national private companies also hold substantial demining
capabilities and actively participate in demining operations (Table 2.).
 URU, Alm.del - 2024-25 - Bilag 219: Henvendelse af 21. maj 2025 fra Aserbajdsjans parlament om opfordring til international støtte til minerydning og humanitær indsats
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Clearance operations
Azerbaijan carries out extensive humanitarian mine clearance so that formerly displaced civilians
can return to their homes. Given the vast extent of th
roblem and the constrained resources for
mine action, the Azerbaijani government prioritizes
iN,i£wlM7ffitff.,LZ.i5.i.OO.I.M;.;#
.f
the demining of critical areas such as access roads,
essential infrastructure, and residential zones to
facilitate the safe and timely return of former I DPs.
Since the end of occupation in 2020, remarkable
progress has been achieved in demining
operations, with 190794.2 hectares of land being
cleared of 58,086 landmines and 133,518 ERW.
This cleared area represents about 16.4% of the
total estimated contaminated area, with the
discovered landmines accounting for roughly 3.9%
of the estimated 1,5 million landmines, while the
extent of ERW contamination remains challenging to determine.
By March 31, 2025, ANAMA and other demining entities had conducted operations in 4,706 fields,
clearing a total of 190794.2 hectares from mines and ERW, neutralizing 133,518 pieces of ERW,
36,479 anti-personnel mines (APMs), and 21,607 anti-tank mines (ATMs), totaling 191,604
explosives.
51
In the P
1
quarter of 2025 alone, demining efforts led to the discovery of 13,956
land mines/explosives and the clearance of 11002.4 hectares of land.
These findings, representing 7.3% of the total discoveries since November 10, 2020, included a
significant proportion of ERW (69. 7% ), AP Ms ( 19% ), and A TMs ( 11.3% ), underscoring the
emphasis on former battlefield clearance (Table 3, 4).
In total, demining operations during 2025 resulted in the neutralization of 12,330 ERW, 1,141
APMs, and 485 ATMs (13,956 in total), covering 11002.4 hectares of land (Table 5.).
Area cleared during the
1
st
quarter 2025
ANAMA
Ministry of Defense
Ministry of Emergency Situations
State Border Service
National private operators:
Alpha Demining
Qaya Safety Solutions
Safe Point
7642.9
938.5
3
0.7
2417.3
751.6
315.8
683.9
Cumulative area since 10
Nov 2020
113546.4
44935
1451.9
2772.2
28088.7
6810
6651.5
7051.5
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Azerbaijan Demining Company
Total
666
11002.4
7575.7
190794.2
The clearance to date covers approximately 16.4% .--:
of all designated threat areas. The 2024 work plan,
which targeted 60530 hectares was fulfilled. 2025
work plan aims to expand clearance capacities to
cover 65,092.6 hectares.
Under ANAMA's leadership, Azerbaijan's demining
community not only addresses the immediate
challenges within its borders but also accumulates
valuable experience and innovative practices that
contribute to global humanitarian demining efforts.
"•J,.,,,,n
"11m11,
found
during
the 1
st
quarter
2025
ANAMA
Ministry of
Defense
Ministry of
Emergency
Situations
State
Border
Service
National
private
operators:
number
found
since 10
Nov 2020
found
during
the 1
st
quarter
2025
number
found
since 10
Nov 2020
found
during
the 1
st
quarter
2025
number
found
since 10
Nov 2020
found
during
the
pt
quarter
2025
number
found
since 10
Nov 2020
11235
14
1
80938
36906
2304
1111
0
0
21707
10672
1379
380
0
0
12321
3333
2665
12726
14
1
114966
50911
6348
1
688
0
1670
0
1488
1
3846
1079
12682
30
1051
105
1800
1214
15533
Alpha
Demining
Qaya
Safety
Solutions
Safe Point
575
198
7264
1528
20
0
255
550
64
0
571
808
659
198
8090
2886
209
1218
1
235
0
330
210
1783
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Azerbaijan
Demining
Company
Total
97
2672
9
11
41
91
147
2774
12330
133518
1141
36479
485
21607
13956
191604
Table
5.
Areas cleared and number of explosive devices found in the 1st quarter of 2025 (per district)
I•
.
District
During the 1
st
quarter of 2025
Aghdam
Aghdara
Jabrail
Fuzuli
Kalbajar
Lachin
Gubadly
Shusha
Khankendi
Khojavand
Khojali
Zangilan
Others
Total
1722.6
219.1
1658.1
2099.4
775
1358.6
956.4
37.8
134.2
588.3
359.6
865.6
227.7
11002.4
Cleared area (ha)
Cumulative
during 2025
1722.6
219.1
1658.1
2099.4
775
1358.6
956.4
37.8
134.2
588.3
359.6
865.6
227.7
11002.4
Total ERW/APM/ATM
found
Cumulative
found in 2025
1116
135
1060
1258
0
5
11
1
8857
675
593
2
243
13956
Found during
the 1
st
quarter
of2025
1116
135
1060
1258
0
5
11
1
8857
675
593
2
243
13956
Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE)
The Government of Azerbaijan implements EORE initiatives aimed to prevent casualties posed by
mines and other explosive ordnance (EO). These efforts focus on enhancing awareness and
fostering behavioral changes through public information campaigns, education, training and
community liaison.
The indication of successful EORE activities must be behavior change of local population. The
ultimate objectives are to mitigate risk to a manageable level, enabling people to live safely, and
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to facilitate the restoration of an environment conducive to economic and social development
without the limitations posed by explosive hazard contamination.
As part of the "Great Return Program", the number of population (former I DPs) involved to EORE
session reached to 7325 at the 1
st
quarter of 2025 in Khojaly, Shusha, Jabrayil, Aghdara regions
(Picture 6).
EORE sessions have engaged over 315 local organizations since November 2020. As a result of
EORE total number of beneficiaries reached to 516.468. (Picture 7).
To enhance safety measures, totally 1560 EO awareness billboards were installed in liberated
territories (Picture 8. ). Most part of highly contaminated territories along with former contact line
fenced to prevent EO casualties.
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r
4
.
_ -
_
._
..
Picture
7.
EQRE sessions provided for local organizations.
---------
r,--
l.
_ _ _ _ _ _
~~cture 8. EORE b}llboards installed in an affected areas
-~ .. ..
·--- --~ - - ~ - ~-~
--
Victim Assistance
The Government provides assistance for the care and rehabilitation, social and economic
reintegration of mine victims and for mine risk education programmes. Assistance is provided to
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meet the immediate and long-term needs of EO survivors, their families and persons with
disabilities. Assistance includes, but is not limited to, emergency and continuing medical care;
physical rehabilitation; psychosocial support and social inclusion; and laws and public policies
that promote effective treatment, care and protection for all disabled citizens. EO victims were
provided with psychological support and various services, such as targeted social assistance,
pension and different types of prosthetic devices.
In order to reintegrate victims into the society, relevant steps were undertaken based on the
mutual cooperation with international organization, civil society and state entities. ANAMA is
implementing joint activities with Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan in regard with
landmine victim reintegration to society and rendering EORE messages to target audience.
The team of amputees from Azerbaijan mostly consist of mine victims participated in the final
stage of the European Championship held in France in 2024 (Picture 9). Azerbaijan will host
League of Nations "C" group (with participation of amputee football national teams from
Netherland, Belgium, Ukraine, Israel) tournament in October 2025.
In collaboration with Football Development Fund 10 years old mine victim Huseyn Huseynzade
strike the first kick to the ball, taking the stadium by international referee at the UEFA European
League football tournament held in Baku to ensure widespread distribution of safety messages of
EORE. Huseyn, who fell into a minefield with his father at the age of six, participated in the 7th
round of the UEFA Europa League. His relatives and his father who came to help were killed, and
his uncle was injured.
In the context of rehabilitation and prosthetic assistance to mine victims.
Humanitarian Relief Foundation (IHH) of the Republic of Turkiye supported reintegration process
in the liberated territories of Azerbaijan. Several activities have been undertaken by ANAMA,
Ombudsman of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Social Rehabilitation Center of the Ministry of Labour
and Social Protection of Population of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Azerbaijan Red Crescent
Society, Azerbaijan Mine Victims Association and ICRC, in regard with need assessment, social,
economic and juridical support.
While the Government is working to meet immediate needs of mine victims, more international
assistance would be much appreciated.
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Picture 10. Distribution of seasonal clothing to the mine victims.
Foreign assistance and international cooperation
Azerbaijan faces an immense landmine contamination and needs substantial foreign assistance.
While international support adequate to the level of country's enormous challenges is very much
needed, it is crucial to emphasize that Azerbaijan's motivation for active engagement primarily
stems from its humane approach that recognizes the adverse impact of the landmine problem on
mankind as a whole.
Foreign assistance
Azerbaijan welcomes support by foreign partners in humanitarian demining in forms of direct
assistance and collaborative actions. ANAMA remains committed to enhancing its international
collaborations and is continually seeking new avenues to expand and strengthen its external
cooperation in humanitarian demining efforts.
Azerbaijan received assistance from numerous countries. Most of them channeled their assistance
via the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) or specialized NGOs. In partnership with
the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), ANAMA benefits from specialized training
provided to its site paramedics, enhancing the safety and efficiency of demining operations.
Furthermore, the collaboration with Mines Advisory Group (MAG) has facilitated training and
mentoring programs specifically for female deminers, promoting gender inclusivity in the field. The
contribution of Mine Detection Dogs (MDDs) by the Marshall Legacy Institute (MLI) plays a crucial
role in bolstering ANAMA's capabilities in detecting landmines.
Working closely with the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD),
ANAMA has improved its operational effectiveness through the adoption of the Information
Management System for Mine Action (IMSMA). This collaboration includes system usage
assistance and comprehensive training for ANAMA experts, focusing on enhancing operational
and informational efficiency.
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A partnership among the European Union (EU), UNDP, and ANAMA has led to the launch of a
new project, funded with a budget of 4.25 million Euros, aimed at facilitating the safe return of
former IDPs to liberated areas.
In collaboration with the US and MAG, and the International Eurasia Press Fund (IEPF) has
embarked on a project to train and equip four 14-person demining teams, further advancing its
mission to create a safer environment and contribute to the global endeavor of achieving a mine-
free world.
Since 2020, foreign assistance has accounted for merely 4.8% of the resources dedicated to
humanitarian demining. This is notably low, both in light of the gravity of demining challenges
Azerbaijan confronts and when compared to the level of contributions typically made by the
international donor community to similar issues.
In the first quarter of 2024, Saudi Arabia provided 3 million USO direct assistance to ANAMA to
support its demining operations. On January 16, 2024, a Memorandum of Financial Contribution
was signed between Vugar Suleymanov, Chairman of ANAMA, and Abdullah Muhammad Alwadei,
Deputy Director of the Medical and Environmental Department of the King Salman Humanitarian
Aid and Relief Center of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Italy also pledged to allocate 1.5 million Euros for financing programs in support of Azerbaijan's
demining activities.
The United Arab Emirates has extended support to Azerbaijan's demining efforts with a donation
of 5 million USO. The partnership was officially cemented through the signing of a Memorandum
of Understanding (MoU) between the Chairman of the Board of ANAMA and His Excellency
Mohammed Al Blooshi, the Ambassador of the UAE to Azerbaijan.
Croatia has made a significant in-kind contribution by donating eight mine detection dogs to bolster
mine action in Azerbaijan, along with additional support activities that include training four dog
handlers of ANAMA in Pojega, Croatia to work with the mine detection dogs.
Furthermore, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between ANAMA and the
Marshall Legacy Institute, under which 12 specially trained mine detection dogs have been
delivered to ANAMA, enhancing the ANAMA's operational capabilities in demining efforts. These
collective efforts from international partners underscore the global commitment to supporting
Azerbaijan's humanitarian mine clearance and enhancing the safety of affected communities.
A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between the Tajikistan National Mine Action
Center and ANAMA to provide support to ANAMA personnel through specialized training on mine
clearance operations in forested and mountainous areas. Moreover, a project document was
signed between Leicester University (United Kingdom), ANAMA, and Ostrohradskiy National
University (Ukraine) for the implementation of the "Stand-off Chemical Detection of Landmines for
Ukraine and Azerbaijan (MineSensa)" project, under the framework of NATO's Science for Peace
and Security (SPS) Programme.
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Additionally, the Marshall Legacy Institute (MLI) has pledged to donate up to 30 Mine Detection
Dogs during 2025-2026 to help accelerate landmine clearance operations in Azerbaijan. Notably,
2025 marks the 20th anniversary of cooperation between ANAMA and MLI, reflecting a long-
standing and productive partnership in humanitarian mine action.
Given the immense adverse humanitarian impact, and the fact that lingering landmine
contamination represents a challenge to efforts to achieve peace and reconciliation, Azerbaijan
counts on adequate support by the international community to its demining efforts as a matter of
humane solidarity.
International cooperation
Azerbaijan has embarked on numerous initiatives to galvanize international community's attention
to the mine problem in the country's liberated territories.
During the first quarter of 2025, Vugar Suleymanov, Chairman of the Board of the Mine Action
Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (ANAMA), met with the delegation led by Kairat Saribay, the
Secretary General of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia
(CICA), as well as with a delegation led by Zukan Helez, Minister of Defence of Bosnia and
Herzegovina.
Picture 15. Presentation of the book "Silent Echoes: Untold stories of mine victims" dedicated to the landmine
problem in Azerbaijan
Annual international conference on landmine problem
Together with the United Nations, Azerbaijan co-organized international conference on mine
action, which has evolved into one of the prominent global dialogue venues addressing the mine
problem. The first conference held in 2022 in Baku, Azerbaijan, saw the attendance of nearly 60
representatives from 34 countries and 4 international organizations.
At the 2
nd
conference on Mine Action entitled "Mine Action - the Path to Reaching Sustainable
Development Goals" held on 25-26 May 2023, in Aghdam and Baku, Azerbaijan, nearly 190
delegates representing 51 countries and 16 international organizations participated (including
former heads of state and government, parliamentarians, representatives of influential international
organizations). The 2023 conference, which attracted greater participation by states, international
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organizations, and NGOs alike, produced a tangible final document addressing a wide range of
issues on humanitarian demining and sustainable development.
Azerbaijan, in partnership with the UNDP, hosted the 3
rd
International Conference on Mine Action,
on topic "Mitigating the Environmental Impact of Landmines: Resource Mobilization for Safety and
Green Future," May 30-31, 2024, in Zangilan and Baku.
During the first day of the Conference, the Statement of Intent between UNDP and ANAMA on
cooperation in establishment of the ANAMA-UNDP International Centre of Excellence and Training
for Mine Action in the territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan was signed.
Devising a Sustainable Development Goal on landmine problem
One of the most concerning challenges to the achievement of the SDGs is the landmine problem,
which undermines global efforts to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure peace and
prosperity for all. This problem hinders access to land and resources, impedes economic
development, damages infrastructure and the environment, and creates pervasive fear and
insecurity. Moreover, landmine contamination obstructs post-conflict reconciliation efforts,
exacerbating the challenges to achieve lasting peace. What is more, the estimates indicate a
steady increase in the scale and magnitude of this problem.
Despite the gravity of the landmine problem, mine action has not received the degree of attention
it urgently requires. The level of international political engagement in and practical support for mine
action remains rather modest.
As it was mentioned by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan His Excellency Mr. llham Aliyev
in his address to the participants of the 2
nd
International Conference on Mine Action, Azerbaijan
has officially declared humanitarian demining as the 18
th
National SDG. Azerbaijan proposed
addressing the mine action within the Agenda 2030 process, believing that it would raise
awareness, mobilize resources and enhance international cooperation on this issue, and is working
to ensure the recognition of this issue as the UN's Global 18
th
SDG.
Highlighting environmental impact
of
landmines
Azerbaijan has directly experienced detrimental environmental effects of land mines, with extensive
portions of its farmland severely damaged and segmented due to the construction of military
fortifications and the emplacement of landmines by Armenia. These military engineering activities,
along with the presence of landmines and other unexploded ordnances, have significantly
disrupted the land, affecting vegetation cover, water infiltration, the flow of surface water, and have
made vast areas of valuable agricultural land inaccessible.
In response, Azerbaijan actively communicates the adverse ecological impacts of landmines in
various international forums, aiming to elevate global awareness of the issue and foster
international consensus and collaboration. Environmental issue was incorporated into 3
rd
International Conference on Mine Action that was held in May 2024, in Azerbaijan.
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Emphasizing the impact of landmines on cultural property
Landmines, explosive ordnances and unexploded ordnances threaten cultural property by directly
damaging them, limiting people's access to these sites and disrupting connection to their heritage.
Azerbaijan has also been subjected to this devastating impact of landmines, as much of its cultural
heritage was decimated during the occupation, and remaining sites are still inaccessible due to
heavy contamination with landmines.
Upon Azerbaijan's initiative, a resolution "The impact of mines on cultural heritage" was adopted
on December 11, 2023, at the 15
th
meeting of states parties to the 1954 Hague Convention on the
Protection of Cultural Property during Armed Conflict". As a follow-up to this landmark resolution,
a "Special Conference on the Impact of landmines, explosive ordnances and unexploded
ordnances on cultural property" was organized within the 6
th
World Forum on lntercultural Dialogue
in Aghdam on May 3, 2024.
Non-Aligned Movement Contact Group on Humanitarian Demining
Upon initiative by the President of Azerbaijan, His Excellency Mr. llham Aliyev, the Non-Aligned
Movement established a Contact Group on Humanitarian De-mining in July 2023. The Group
commenced its activities by holding the inaugural meeting in September 2023, in New York.
The NAM Contact Group, chaired by Azerbaijan, aims at fostering a collective approach to a
problem that encompasses over 120 million landmines planted globally, with more than 100 million
within
NAM
territories. The group's formation marks a significant step towards coordinated efforts
in humanitarian mine action, emphasizing advocacy, best practice sharing, victim assistance and
resource mobilization.
The Contact Group seeks to enhance global awareness, advocate for adherence to international
norms, and improve the mobilization of resources towards achieving a mine-free world, thereby
contributing to development, peace and security for the affected countries.
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Key Priorities for International Assistance
Given Azerbaijan's institutional capacity and training frameworks,
the most critical form of
assistance needed at this juncture is direct financial donations.
Such contributions are essential to
amplify the humanitarian mine action efforts and further augment the operational scope of
ANAMA
and
relevant operators.
Other priorities identified for this phase include:
Mine Victim Assistance:
Assisting in delivery of medical care, social-economic contribution to
the people in Azerbaijan affected by landmines and other EO, including providing prostheses,
psychological support for their rehabilitation and reintegration to society.
Technical Surveys and Feasibility Studies:
Streamlining humanitarian mine clearance efforts
through accelerated surveys and studies.
Data Management and Technological Advancements:
Implementing gee-spatial methodologies
and technology layering to refine clearance needs and optimize the tasking process within the national
work plan.
Support for Female Demining Teams:
Encouraging and empowering women in return,
rehabilitation, reintegration and reconstruction phase by supporting the training and integration of
female deminers, leveraging international partnerships for institutional capacity building.
Mechanical Demining Enhancement:
Upgrading mechanical demining capabilities with
specialized equipment for uneven terrains and armored machinery for safer operations.
Mine Detection Dogs (MOD) Training:
Enhancing the MDD program with international expertise
to maintain high competency levels through established training procedures and continuous on-site
assistance.
Explosive Containment Chambers:
Procuring specialized containment chambers to safely store
and transport detected explosive ordnance, ensuring secure disposal and minimizing risks to personnel
and surrounding environments.
Explosive Materials Transportation Vehicles:
Acquiring purpose-built vehicles equipped with
advanced safety features for the secure transportation of explosive materials from contaminated sites
to designated disposal locations.
Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR):
Mounted on a drone with data logging and mapping software
integrated for detection of deep buried minimum metallic mines.
Demarcation and Fencing:
Implementing visible markers and fencing to prevent access to
hazardous areas and mitigate mine migration due to seasonal weather changes.
Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE):
Integrating EORE to raise awareness through
direct and indirect methods.
Increased international support and cooperation are crucial to the success of mine action in
Azerbaijan. Enhanced humanitarian demining efforts will not only reduce the incidence of mine victims
but also facilitate the rehabilitation and reconstruction necessary for the safe, dignified, and voluntary
return of over 800,000 former I DPs. By providing a secure environment and promoting well-being, these
initiatives contribute significantly to eliminating the consequences of the past conflict and facilitate
peace.
Azerbaijan is eager to collaborate with potential donors and organizations willing to support mine
action in the country and remains actively involved in international forums on landmine issues, sharing
experiences and best practices to enhance global mine action efforts.
 URU, Alm.del - 2024-25 - Bilag 219: Henvendelse af 21. maj 2025 fra Aserbajdsjans parlament om opfordring til international støtte til minerydning og humanitær indsats
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List of Annexes
1.
2.
Map depicting mine incidents from November 2020 to March 31, 2025
lnfographic
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Annex 1: Map depicting explosion incidents involving landmines and ERW
from November 2020 to March 31, 2025
{$}
··e:,.., •.
Mine incidents in the liberated territories since 10 November 2020 until 31 March 2025
em,,;.·.
A
t'
•
•
/'
Mine incidents: 121 people on the former line of contact
and 263 people beyond the line of contact.
Total 384 people (70 killed and 314 injured).
Town
Settlement
Village
' Former line of contact (LOC)
L.=J
Districts borders
~ State border
.~ • .,.,,
r,~r.i •.• p,..._, ..:.,n.;, ~,(')pa..:.1 ••• Mo,.,,,..,
r
A .-R n E.""l -t.l\£.C..a, ••. 1-° 1"1m ,7 '"'•,Nn!t'Uo<},
((II
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Annex 2: Infographic
November 10, 2020- March 31, 2025
145
=alties
Sinre1991
over
3,400
I
38~ ~
casualties
Since Nov. 2020
civilians
15
military
55
civilians
military
injured
killed
2025
191,604
EXPLOSIVE DEVICES
DETECTED
133,518
58,086~07
LANDMINE$
UXOs
ATs
DETECTED
36,479
800,000
IDPs
ft
12,000 IDPs
UNABLE TO RETURN DUE TO
ea
~
RETURNED
BACK
EXPENSES FOR DEMINING
SINCE NOVEMBER 2020
ESTIMATED SCOPE OF LANDMINE
PROBLEM
$
464
min.
BY GOVERNMENT
11
'
667 k
m / (~~~~~~.
.
CONTAMINATED
( 13.4% of total country area)
2
1,908km
2
contaminated area)
$
23.3
min.
THROUGH FOREIGN ASSISTANCE
( 4.8% of total funds allocated
for demlnlng)
1,5
min. mines
PLANTED
DONOR COUNTRIES SUPPORTING
MINE ACTION IN AZERBAIJAN
INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
SUPPORTING DEMINING IN AZERBAIJAN