At the 3rd International Humanitarian Demining Conference on “Mitigating Environmental Impact of Landmines: Resource Mobilization for a Safe and Green Future,” Acting UNDP Resident Representative in Azerbaijan, Alessandra Roccasalvo, highlighted the ongoing threat posed by landmines.

In her interview with Ednews, Roccasalvo stressed the critical nature of the issue: "I think it's extremely important because mines are a crime against humanity. When you have landmines, you cannot have a safe life, you cannot return to productive employment or anything of the sort."

She emphasized the role of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 18 in addressing the issue: "So, SDG18, what is it good for? It's good for advocacy, to keep the topic alive. And like we heard in this conference yesterday and today, there's a need for resources because no country can do this alone."

Roccasalvo pointed out the global scale of the problem, citing Afghanistan and Ukraine as examples where landmines from past conflicts continue to pose significant risks. "Imagine, we still find things from the Second World War. So, these landmines will never disappear. If you look at it from the point of view that we sometimes hear, one plastic bag in the ocean will take 200 years to degrade. Landmines will never degrade, they will always be there and always be an issue and always be a threat to life."

She concluded with a call to action: "So, I would say let's keep up SDG18 really for the advocacy and to keep this topic alive, and let's do it together with our partners."