Calls for unified global response to demining at Azerbaijan conference

Mines and improvised explosive devices, especially in situations and areas of armed conflict, continue to kill and cause injury around the world. It’s estimated that there could be up to 110 million landmines in over 60 countries worldwide, with a further 2 to 5 million mines being laid every year.

More than 300 representatives from 75 countries came together to discuss ways of mobilising financial resources to mitigate the environmental impact of landmines and other explosive remnants of war.

Hikmet Hajiyev, assistant to the president of Azerbaijan and head of the Department for Foreign Policy Affairs told Euronews: “Azerbaijan is a laboratory for humanitarian demining and mine action globally. Azerbaijan has gained a particular knowledge and expertise, and once Azerbaijan's demining project is over, Azerbaijan will also have the capacity to contribute to other humanitarian demining projects globally.”

There are two main categories of landmines: anti-personnel landmines (AP) and anti-tank (AT) landmines. Anti-personnel mines are smaller than AT mines and are designed to kill or injure people. They can be triggered by much less pressure, sometimes as little as 5 to 15 kilograms. Anti-tank mines are designed to destroy vehicles such as tanks and armoured vehicles and need a lot more pressure to detonate, usually more than 100 kilograms.

“Landmines are really a crime against humanity. If you have a plastic bag in the ocean, it takes 200 years to disappear. Mines never do, and mines keep continuing to pollute the environment,” said Alessandra Roccasalvo, Resident Representative, UNDP, Azerbaijan.

On average, one person is killed or injured by these explosive devices every hour with many children among the victims. Heidi Kühn is