Azerbaijan reconstruction and landmine awareness efforts

Following the conclusion of the conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia, efforts have shifted toward reconstruction and addressing the humanitarian consequences of landmines in liberated territories.

In early October, a Council of the European Union delegation visited regions including Aghdam, Shusha, and Khankendi. During this visit, the Azerbaijan Mine Action Agency (ANAMA) provided briefings on demining operations in heavily contaminated areas like Saricali village. Discussions also covered large-scale development projects and efforts by the State Commission on Prisoners of War, Hostages and Missing Persons to identify mass graves and investigate the fate of missing citizens.

By late October, international awareness campaigns were launched across several European cities, including Milan, Geneva, and Rome. The ‘Mine-Free World’ campaign utilized photo exhibitions to highlight the ongoing danger posed by landmines and called for Armenia to provide accurate minefield maps.

On October 21, members of the ‘Karabakh Families of Missing Persons’ public association met with representatives from the European External Action Service (EEAS) in Brussels. During the meeting, families expressed frustration regarding the lack of information from Armenia concerning the whereabouts of missing Azerbaijanis. Konul Behbudova, chairperson of the association, stated that Armenia bears responsibility for the fate of the missing and must share information regarding the locations of mass graves, noting that 32 mass graves have been discovered in territories previously under occupation. This meeting followed protests held by the families at Place du Luxembourg and Schuman Square.