No:130/25, Press release on the introduction of a special resolution initiated by Azerbaijan within the framework of the UN Human Rights Council calling for the protection of the rights of mine victims
01 April 2025 20:39
On 1 April 2025, in Geneva, a draft special resolution initiated and co-sponsored by Azerbaijan calling for the protection of the rights of mine victims was introduced within the framework of the United Nations Human Rights Council.
Information about the draft resolution was presented at a high-level event held under the theme “Mines, human rights and environmental degradation – effective assistance to mine victims” within the framework of the 58th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC).
The event, jointly organized by the Permanent Mission of Azerbaijan to the United Nations Office at Geneva and the international organization Universal Rights Group (URG), was held with the participation of permanent missions to the UN, reputable institutions and experts in the field of human rights, as well as representatives of international media.
Delivering the keynote address at the event, Ambassador-at-Large of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Elshad Iskandarov, announced that the draft resolution titled “The impact of anti-personnel mines on the full enjoyment of all human rights,” introduced by Azerbaijan as a main co-sponsor, has been included in the agenda of the UN Human Rights Council.
It was brought to attention that previously, for the first time, a special report on the topic had been presented at the UNHRC, a number of side events and consultations had been organized at the UN, and that the Joint Statement circulated at the 57th session of the UNHRC last year at the initiative of Azerbaijan had been supported by 65 countries.
Emphasizing that as a result of Armenia’s occupation, the territories of Azerbaijan are the second most mine-contaminated area in Europe, Elshad Iskandarov noted that 383 of our citizens have lost their lives and health due to mine explosions in the post-conflict period, and that there are nearly 4,000 mine victims in Azerbaijan in total.
The Permanent Representatives of Algeria and Gambia to the UN Office at Geneva, co-sponsors of the resolution, as well as the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Violations, Ambassador Yvette Stevens, and other speakers exchanged views on opportunities for international cooperation in mine action, mutual exchange of experience, and possible international mechanisms for assisting mine victims.
Within the framework of the event, lawyer and founder of the International Human Rights Advisors (IHRA), Ben Keith, also delivered the official presentation of the “Campaign for Landmine Justice.” The main goal of the campaign is to achieve the establishment of an international solidarity mechanism to ensure the rights of mine victims.
At the end of the event, the speakers answered questions from participants and media representatives.
