A series of training sessions on “Risk Awareness and Safe Behavior” has been initiated through the joint cooperation of the State Committee for Affairs of Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Red Crescent Society of Azerbaijan (AzRCS). The main purpose of these educational training sessions is to increase awareness among internally displaced persons, who are planned to be relocated in stages under the First State Program on the Great Return to the territories liberated from occupation, about mines and unexploded ordnance (UXO), and to minimize potential risk factors.

In the first phase, the training sessions were organized separately for citizens and schoolchildren in the “Gobu Park” residential complex in the Garadagh district of Baku city, where former internally displaced persons are temporarily settled. The training sessions were conducted by a team of 3 experts and 10 volunteers from AzRCS in the “Door-to-Door” and “School” formats. During the “Door-to-Door” sessions, trainers visited homes to provide essential information to family members and answer their questions. The “School” sessions were conducted interactively in classroom settings for student groups.

In both formats of the training, information was provided about warning and informational signs, educational brochures were distributed, theoretical and practical materials were used, and state institutions and contact methods to be approached in case of danger were recalled.

To date, over 1500 individuals have been involved in educational training on mine and UXO hazards. The training sessions are planned to continue in a series format in other areas densely populated by former internally displaced persons.