In commemoration of the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action, United Nations Office in Vienna organized a roundtable on April 25, titled “Humanitarian Mine Action - Challenges and Innovative Solutions”.

Representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in Austria, officials and diplomats of the permanent missions of the UN in Vienna, as well as representatives of international organizations, took part in the event organized by the The Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Austria Republic and The Mine Action Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (ANAMA).

Diplomats from accredited diplomatic corps in Austria, officials and diplomats representing Permanent Missions to the United Nations (Vienna), as well as members of international organizations, attended an event hosted by the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Austria and the Mine Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (ANAMA).

The roundtable aimed to facilitate discussions on humanitarian demining operations, risk education about the dangers of explosive munitions, mine victim assistance, particularly their rehabilitation and reintegration into society, and their crucial role in achieving sustainable peace, security, and development. Additionally, the event covered challenges and innovative solutions in these areas.

During his speech at the roundtable, The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Republic of Austria highlighted that the deliberate contamination of our occupied territories by Armenia with mines and unexploded ammunition for three decades has made Azerbaijan one of the most mine-affected countries in the world. The diplomat stressed that the persistent danger of landmines jeopardizes the safety and stability of individuals trying to reside in their native lands and obstructs the reconstruction efforts in the liberated territories. Mr. Sadigbeyli further emphasized that humanitarian demining efforts are linked to each of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in some manner. He also mentioned that Azerbaijan has announced its commitment to SDG 18 in this regard.

Samir Poladov, Deputy Chairman of the Board of ANAMA, and Sultan Hajiyev, Deputy Head of the Secretariat of the Interdepartmental Center of the Coordinating Headquarters for the Restoration and Reconstruction of the Liberated Territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan, presented in-depth information about the vast extent of demining and contamination in our country’s liberated territories, the secure resettlement of internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their native lands, and the comprehensive humanitarian demining activities and associated restoration and reconstruction efforts led by the government.

Saša Orbadović, Director of Bosnia and Herzegovina Mine Action Center (BHMAC), Essen Stainer, a UNDP expert, Tomaž Lovrenčič, Director of ITF Enhancing Human Security, Jessica Hylan, Head of UK INGO Mines Advisory Group’s (MAG) Regional Office for Eastern Europe, and Executive Director of the Marshall Legacy Institute, gave comprehensive presentations on international events related to demining activities, including cooperation with Azerbaijan and its demining projects.

The event provided a platform for exchanging ideas on combining international efforts and commitments to combat the threat of mines, sharing innovative developments in clearance activities, and discussing gained experiences and new achievements.

It was emphasized that innovative solutions play a crucial role in enhancing the effectiveness of mine threat mitigation, as well as in promoting sustainable peace, security, and development in areas impacted by landmines.

Furthermore, the event showcased pertinent photos and videos showcasing the presence of landmines in the liberated territories, ongoing demining efforts, and the devastating impact of landmines on their victims.