From the ancient land of Karabakh in the Caucasus, we stand together with the women of the Azerbaijan, whose greatest desire for hundreds of years has been a peaceful and safe life. There is sound reasoning behind our call, although the progressive community is making concerted efforts towards achieving peace, it is regrettable to observe that the intensifying inhumane conditions in conflict zones worldwide pose a threat to humanity, the well-being of future generations, and our planet. Thousands of people worldwide are affected by the detrimental consequences of mines and conflict, leading to catastrophic explosions and turning them into victims. With over 60 million landmines scattered across over 60 countries, waiting to claim their next victims, how can the severity of the situation be ignored?! Numerous countries, political experts, analysts, and media outlets have proclaimed Azerbaijan to be one of the most mine-affected nations in the world. Almost every inch of the Karabakh lands, which had been under occupation for many years, has been mined. Regrettably, despite their concealed presence in the ground, the fatal nature of landmines is a widely acknowledged fact, with their eventual emergence being an inevitability. 

 

Dear ladies, it is a deep heartache to inform you that since the agreement of November 10, 2020, which decided the fate of the Second Karabakh war between Azerbaijan and Armenia, 301 people have become victims of landmines in Azerbaijan. Mothers and women in Azerbaijan bear the brunt of all afflictions resulting from landmine explosions, irrespective of the location or identity of the victims. As if the landmine peril wasn't enough, these women endure the loss of brothers, husbands, and children. The number of disabled family members is steadily increasing. Following each landmine explosion, it is the wailing and shrieks of us - mothers that reverberate through the air. Every exploded landmine shatters the existence, contentment, and aspirations for a family and a mother.

 

On this International Mother's Day, we unite with the mothers of Azerbaijan in the village of Ashaghi Abdurrahmanli in Karabakh's Fuzuli district, to reach out to all women across the globe. We feel obliged to bring to the attention of the global community that the issue of landmines isn't solely Azerbaijan's problem but is also a concern for other nations, and that keeping mum about this challenge would inflict further harm upon us.  Simultaneously, during this pivotal phase, we express our approval that the "Roots of Peace" is now flourishing in Azerbaijan, and together with its domestic collaborator, International Eurasia Press Fund (IEPF) have decided to implement the "Mines to Vines" project in this village. With the participation of the Azerbaijani mothers standing with us, we will commence the "Planting Peace" campaign and sow the seeds of peace in regions liberated from the tangle of mines.

We want peace! We aspire for our children, sons, daughters, and future generations to live in good health! A life free of landmines and enduring peace for a healthy future! Our ultimate objective is peace. We anticipate that the women around the world who cherish peace will stand by us and a solidarity of the women, the final remaining landmine on Azerbaijan, as well as earth will be dismantled, and our planet will turn into a safe and peaceful place.

 

 

Oghuz