"The ongoing danger posed by landmines and other explosive remnants of war remains a major obstacle to Azerbaijan’s post-conflict recovery and reconstruction efforts,” said Nahida Baghirova, Counsellor of the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations, during the UN Security Council Open Debate on Women, Peace and Security.

Axar.az reports, citing Аzertac, that the diplomat noted that since November 2020, landmine and unexploded ordnance incidents have affected 443 people, including women and children, underscoring the need for stronger humanitarian demining capacity and increased international support.

She also highlighted Azerbaijan’s post-conflict recovery efforts under the Great Return Programme, which aims to ensure the safe, voluntary and dignified return of internally displaced persons and promote women’s and girls’ active participation in socioeconomic life and reconstruction.

Nahida Baghirova noted that despite ongoing challenges, around 96,000 people have returned to rebuilt cities and villages, where they now live and work.

She also stressed that the fate of Azerbaijanis missing in connection with the former conflict remains a serious humanitarian concern, emphasizing the importance of clarifying their whereabouts and strengthening international efforts.

The diplomat highlighted Azerbaijan’s annual international conferences, including the Baku Dialogue on Missing Persons, and its initiatives to promote UN General Assembly resolutions on missing persons and the release of women and children taken hostage or detained during armed conflicts.

Referring to UN Security Council Resolution 1325, she stressed the importance of women’s full and equal participation in peace and security efforts and post-conflict recovery.

She reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s commitment to empowering women in post-conflict settings in line with national and international legal frameworks.