Opening remarks by the UN Resident Coordinator at International Conference in Aghdam on humanitarian mine action

I am honoured to be here with you today, in Aghdam, to open the 2nd International Conference on “Mine Action – the Path to Reaching the Sustainable Development Goals”.

This is my first official function that I attend in-person since my knee surgery.  

I wanted to be here in-person, because supporting national mine action efforts is one of the top priorities of the UN family in Azerbaijan.

As most of the conference participants are aware, it can cost as little as 1 dollar to make a landmine, but more than a thousand dollars to safely remove one.

These explosive hazards are threatening the safety, health, wellbeing, lives and livelihoods of generations of people in over 60 countries.  

The most vulnerable, including women and children, are the most affected. Let me share with you quite alarming statistics that highlight the devastating impact of mines and explosive remnants of war.

According to the Landmine Monitor Report 2022, a staggering number of  5,544 individuals lost their lives or sustained injuries due to these hazardous devices in the year 2021 alone.

In the context of Azerbaijan, the grim reality is disheartening. Since 1991, a total of 3,377 people, including 358 children and 38 women, have tragically fallen victim to landmines.

Just within the past two years, 55 precious lives have been lost, and an additional 244 individuals have been severely injured. The urgency to address this dire situation becomes even more apparent when we consider the vast expanse of land in Azerbaijan, spanning several thousand square kilometres, designated as priority areas for humanitarian demining.

Until these areas are cleared of landmines, the safe return of internally displaced people remains impossible. Moreover, the construction of essential infrastructure, the development of roads, and the cultivation of farmland are all impeded.

These facts shed light on the critical need for concerted efforts and resources, to accelerate humanitarian demining activities in Azerbaijan.

However, we shouldn't let the magnitude of this challenge divert our attention from ANAMA's significant accomplishments thus far. I wish to take this opportunity to wholeheartedly congratulate ANAMA on their remarkable dedication and achievements.

It is with utmost gratitude and admiration that I recognize the unwavering commitment of ANAMA's brave mine-clearance experts, who tirelessly work to eliminate the danger of explosive ordnance, often facing significant personal risk. The UN in Azerbaijan is proud of its longstanding partnership with ANAMA since 1999.

In the aftermath of the conflict in 2020, the UN helped mobilize more than 11 million USD.  With financial support from the European Union, the Government of the United Kingdom, other partners and internal UN resources, three UN agencies – UNDP, UNICEF and UNHCR – are supporting ANAMA’s mine action efforts, through institutional strengthening, provision of technical expertise, and explosive ordnance risk education.

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Mine action in countries affected by landmines, including Azerbaijan, is a fundamental requirement for sustainable development and lasting peace.

We must ensure that the path towards achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development remains clear of landmines and explosive remnants of war.

Over the past three years, the world has faced numerous crises dealing a significant blow to efforts in reaching the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The United Nations Secretary-General recently emphasized the urgent need for increased commitment, solidarity, and transformative action to prevent us from falling short of the headline targets outlined in the 2030 Agenda, which aim to eradicate poverty, reduce inequality, and protect our environment.

In September, world leaders will convene at the United Nations Headquarters in New York in an attempt to "rescue" the SDGs and reinvigorate our collective efforts.

Since the inception, there has been a strong commitment from  Azerbaijan towards the 2030 Agenda.  

As the country continues its journey of accelerated progress , we look forward to further strengthening our partnership to advance the SDGs, including through mine action.

Together, let us embark on this transformative journey united in purpose.

Thank you.