Azerbaijan's Mine Action and Its Link to Korean History
CISR
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(Korea Times) Azerbaijan’s demining efforts reveal a significant challenge, with 12% of its territory contaminated by landmines. Since 2020, 361 Azerbaijanis have been mine victims, reflecting the broader impact of landmines on societies long after conflicts. The Korean War's legacy similarly lingers in the DMZ, where landmines pose ongoing threats. Azerbaijan is proactively addressing this issue by mobilizing resources, deploying advanced technologies, and hosting conferences, including a recent UN collaboration, to raise awareness and share expertise.
Humanitarian demining is now Azerbaijan's 18th National Sustainable Development Goal (SDG), seeking to make it a UN-recognized SDG. Initiatives in Azerbaijan mirror Korea’s challenges, emphasizing that mine action is crucial for recovery, economic development, and cultural preservation. Global cooperation is needed to ensure safe, mine-free communities. This alignment between Azerbaijan and Korea underlines the universal importance of sustained demining efforts.
