April 4 marks International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action, fostering global awareness about the dangers posed by landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW), as well as promoting the establishment and sustainable development of national mine action capacities in affected countries, Report informs, citing the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

Landmines and ERWs are among the most dangerous and tragic residues of conflict as they impact the lives of people even long after hostilities. Hundreds of people in Azerbaijan have suffered from the effects of explosive hazards, even though active hostilities ceased long ago.

“It was late afternoon on holiday’s eve when my son went to our home village with his cousin where they stepped on a mine and lost their lives. It is such a tragedy, so unbearable,” shares Ibrahim Hasanov, father of Israyil Hasanov who lost his life to a mine explosion on March 15, 2023. Israyil wanted to visit their home village that they had been displaced from since the 90s when the tragedy took place.

In cooperation with the Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society (AzRCS), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) carries out awareness sessions among the population residing in conflict-affected areas in Azerbaijan. Since the start of the ICRC`s weapon contamination program, more than 36,000 individuals (13,000 of which only during 2023) have benefitted from this lifesaving information and key messages on the dangers of mines and ERWs and adoption of safer behavior.

In addition to raising awareness, ICRC strongly collaborates and extends its support to national mine action authorities, such as the Mine Action Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (ANAMA), through the provision of training sessions such as Blast Trauma Care and first aid, as well as the donation of various equipment in support of the mine clearance activities undertaken by the national authorities.