Ombudsman sent a letter to the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights with regard to minefields

The Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ms. Sabina Aliyeva sent a letter to the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Ms. Michelle Bachelet.

The Ombudsman has expressed her serious concern about the unmarked landmines in the liberated Kalbajar district and other territories of Azerbaijan that were planted by the armed forces of Armenia during the occupation of those territories, which pose a great threat to the lives and health of people. It was brought to the notice that hundreds of thousands of unmarked landmines planted in those territories, also the refusal of disclosing the map of minefields by the authorities of Armenia worsen the situation in the region and undermines peaceful coexistence.

It was also mentioned in the letter that the Ombudsman raised this issue before the international human rights organizations several times. Stressing the blatant violation of the 1949 Geneva Conventions, the Azerbaijani Ombudsman pointed out that the political leadership of Armenia must understand its obligations before international law and respect human rights.

In conclusion, Ms. Sabina Aliyeva once again expressed her deep concern and asked the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to call on Armenia for cooperation in disclosing the map of minefields.