A resolution titled “The impact of anti-personnel mines on the full enjoyment of human rights: strengthening assistance to victims,” co-authored and actively promoted by Azerbaijan, has been adopted within the framework of the 63rd session of the UN Human Rights Council held in Geneva.
This was reported to elchi by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
70 states joined the resolution as co-authors, and the document was adopted without a vote.
Within the session, Azerbaijan organized a public dialogue and co-hosted a side event dedicated to the topic to keep this important joint initiative on the agenda and promote it.
As one of the most heavily mine-contaminated countries in the world, Azerbaijan suffers from the acute problem posed by anti-personnel mines. Anti-personnel mines and unexploded ordnance have a long-term and severe impact on the full enjoyment of human rights, causing serious consequences for the lives of victims and their family members. In this regard, we welcome the special attention paid to the issue of victim assistance in the resolution.
Mining activities are a fundamental element of sustainable peace and play a crucial role in post-conflict recovery. Mine clearance not only creates conditions for the safe and dignified return of former internally displaced persons to their homes but also contributes significantly to the recovery of conflict-affected areas and communities, as well as to ensuring socio-economic development.
We appreciate the significant attention paid in the resolution to the interlinkage between demining activities, peace, and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Demining is also of great importance for ensuring more effective adaptation to climate-related risks. In this regard, we consider it important that the resolution contributes to the formation and deepening of understanding regarding the connection between demining activities and adaptation to climate risks in the context of human rights.
The scale of losses caused by mines further demonstrates the importance of mobilizing stronger international support, partnerships, and sustainable financing for demining activities and victim assistance. In this regard, we welcome the call by the UN Human Rights Council member states to increase funding for mine clearance and victim assistance, including by utilizing alternative funding sources and public-private partnerships.
Azerbaijan once again emphasizes the importance of strengthening international cooperation, solidarity, and sustained support in combating the mine threat and highly values the contribution of demining activities to the protection of human rights and the ensuring of sustainable peace and development.