The visit of Mrs. Heidi Kuhn the founder of “Roots of Peace“ organization to the liberated territories

Heidi Kühn, founder and CEO of the Roots of Peace International Humanitarian Organization dedicated to the removal of landmines and the subsequent replanting and rebuilding of war-torn regions, has arrived in Azerbaijan on May 9 to 12. The visit is being facilitated by the Mine Action Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (ANAMA) and the International Eurasia Press Fund (IEPF).

The aim of the visit is to address the magnitude of the landmine issue in the recently liberated territories of Azerbaijan, raise awareness about the hindrances posed by the landmine problem to the “Great Return” initiative and the region's stability and lasting peace, advocate for the conversion of mine-affected areas into farmland with the “From Mines to Vineyards” slogan and launch a worldwide plea to women about the landmine crisis, in unison with Azerbaijani mothers, on the occasion of International Mother's Day.

The trip also aims to provide support in promoting the new Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) on global humanitarian demining, which will be a topic of discussion at the 2nd International Humanitarian Mine Action Conference in Azerbaijan, titled “MINE ACTION – THE PATH TO REACHING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS” scheduled to take place in late May of this year.

On May 9th, Mrs. Heidi Kuhn visited the newly liberated Fuzuli region, accompanied by Vugar Suleymanov, Chairman of the Board of the Mine Action Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Umud Mirzayev, President of the International Eurasia Press Fund (IEPF), and officials from the Special Representation of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Liberated territories of the Karabakh Economic Region (with the exception of Shusha).

Speaking to mothers living in war-affected regions at a meeting in Ashagi Abdurrahmanli village in Fuzuli region, Mrs. Heidi Kühn highlighted that tens of thousands of people worldwide suffer from the negative consequences of landmines and wars, and are at risk of catastrophic explosions each year. She emphasized the devastating impact of such mine explosions on the lives, happiness, and hopes of families, particularly mothers.

“Today, Azerbaijani mothers and women from around the world unite in a call to action. We must raise awareness of the humanitarian mine problem, which affects not only Azerbaijan but also many other nations. Ignoring this issue only exacerbates the suffering. Our ultimate goal is peace – for our children, for our future, and for a world without landmines. We implore all peace-loving women to join us in our efforts to make Azerbaijan and the world a safer, more peaceful, and prosperous place. Together, we can create a future free from the devastation of landmines.” Mrs. Heidi Kühn emphasized passionately in her statement.

Mrs. Heidi Kühn, who visited Azerbaijan for the second time, observed the devastation caused by the enemy in the newly liberated areas of Fuzuli region. She also witnessed the extensive humanitarian demining activities, reconstruction projects, and infrastructure developments aimed at facilitating the return of former Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to their ancestral lands.