Deputy Chairman of the State Committee for Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons, Fuad Huseynov, delivered remarks at the panel titled *“The Role of Mine Action in the Safe Reconstruction of Cities”*, organized by the Non-Aligned Movement Youth Organization within the framework of the 13th session of the UN World Urban Forum (WUF13) held in Baku.
The Deputy Chairman emphasized the critical importance of eliminating the mine threat for safe resettlement and sustainable development.
F. Huseynov noted that under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity and state sovereignty have been fully restored, and large-scale reconstruction and restoration works are being implemented in the liberated territories. It was also stated that First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva keeps the issue of the return of internally displaced persons under constant attention, and that her instructions in this field are being consistently implemented.
It was highlighted that, in addition to providing returning internally displaced persons with modern housing that meets contemporary standards in restored and rebuilt settlements, ensuring their safety remains a priority. It was stressed that during the years of occupation, even areas not intended for military use were contaminated with mines, and the failure to provide accurate mine maps to Azerbaijan following the historic Victory in the Patriotic War continues to delay the Great Return process. At the same time, the presence of mines poses a threat to the lives and health of internally displaced persons returning to their native lands, as well as to professionals involved in reconstruction projects in Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur.
It was noted that the State Committee is working jointly with relevant state institutions and international organizations to ensure mine risk awareness. In cooperation with the Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA), the Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and the Netherlands-based Mine Mark Foundation, training sessions are being conducted to raise awareness among internally displaced persons of different ages and professions. These activities have contributed to educating thousands of IDPs. In addition, in line with the Action Plan of the First State Program on the Great Return, 9 out of the informational social videos prepared for outreach purposes are dedicated to mine safety. These materials are regularly disseminated through media, social networks, and awareness-raising meetings with IDPs.
The panel also included an exchange of views on sustainable urban development, humanitarian challenges, and the role of youth in international initiatives.
