IOM Azerbaijan organized EORE training for its personnel to ensure their safety

IOM Azerbaijan organized training on Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE) for its personnel working in liberated territories to prevent injuries and save lives. The training took place in Mingechevir city on 7 July 2023 and was attended by kankanks (kahriz masters), operators, technicians, engineers, and office personnel. It is crucial to implement effective EORE interventions with affected individuals and communities to ensure their safety.

During the training, participants were informed of the signs of danger zones and rules of conduct in unfamiliar and suspicious areas, different types of mines and ammunition were demonstrated, and the possible consequences they could cause were  explained.

The training, conducted by trainers from the Mine Action Agency of The Republic of Azerbaijan, was particularly valuable for the ongoing and planned kahriz rehabilitation works in the liberated Jabrayl district, which is being carried out by IOM Azerbaijan.

Currently, IOM Azerbaijan is working on the rehabilitation of Asgar and Orta kahrizes in Horovlu village in Jabrail district, as part of the "Integrated Rural Development for IDP Communities in Azerbaijan through Revitalization of Kahriz Water Supply Systems" project funded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency.

As part of the mentioned project, a total of 26 kahrizes located in the Aghdam, Goranboy, Fuzuli, Goygol, and Gazakh districts were successfully rehabilitated.

The main goal of the project is to prevent forced economic migration by improving the access of rural communities in Azerbaijan to energy-free water resources. This is achieved through the establishment of water infrastructure, which in turn increases agricultural productivity and improves livelihoods. Additionally, the project creates opportunities for income-generating activities that are linked to the renovation of kahrizes.

The project implemented by IOM Azerbaijan contributes to Azerbaijan’s efforts to fulfil three Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) through the provision of water for domestic and agricultural needs which has a direct impact on poverty reduction and food security (SDG 1), empowering and involving women into the decision-making process, increasing their role in the community in terms of leadership (SDG 5), and the rehabilitation of eco-friendly and sustainable water supply systems, kahrizes and enhanced access to safe drinking water (SDG 6).