Ombudsman’s reaction to the mine explosion in Khojavend

The Human Rights Commissioner (Ombudsman) of Azerbaijan expresses her serious concern about injuring an employee of one of the private companies by stepping on a mine during humanitarian demining operations in the Khojavend district.     

This incident became a matter of grave concern for the Ombudsman. She wishes speedy recovery for the injured person and extends deep solidarity and sincere moral support to his family and relatives.Furthermore, considering the ongoing mine danger, the Ombudsman calls on citizens to seriously obey the security rules in the liberated territories, to use only designated routes, refrain to touch unknown things, and always keep vigilance.   

It is noted that the mass mine contamination of Azerbaijani territories by Armenia continues posing a serious risk to the lives and health of people even during the post-conflict period. Mine explosions remain a major barrier for former internally displaced persons to exercise their right to life, the right to health, the right to live in a safe environment, and the right to return to their homes in safety.

The Ombudsman urges the international community and corresponding international organizations to demonstrate a more sensitive approach to the grave humanitarian crisis of mine threat and contribute to further strengthening international and relevant technical, financial, and expert support to humanitarian demining activities of Azerbaijan.         

The Ombudsman once again stresses the special importance of the eradication of the mine problem for more reliable protection of human rights, human lives, and health, as well as for secure restoration and settlement in the liberated areas.