The event was held within the project "preparations for the international conference" "Mine-free Azerbaijan, Safe Karabakh." It was implemented by the International Eurasia Press Fund with the financial support of the Agency for State Support to Non-Governmental Organisations of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
In his opening speech at the event, President of the International Eurasia Press Fund Umud Mirzayev first spoke about the urgency of the mine problem in Azerbaijan. He noted that Azerbaijan is among the countries most affected by landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW).
"Today, the restoration of the liberated territories and the return of IDPs is one of the main priorities in Azerbaijan. In addition to the destruction, devastation, looting, arson, and environmental terror, these areas have been mined and contaminated with illicit munitions. Although the war is over, the fight against the invisible enemy continues. As a civil society organisation, the IEPF has joined the Mine Action Program in Azerbaijan since 2000 with the support of the United Nations Development Program.
"Azerbaijan's biggest problem is the mine problem. The Khankendi issue is also one of such problems amongst. After the signing of the peace agreement, many incidents took place in the area and more than a hundred civilians were injured," Umud Mirzayev added.
