Azerbaijan initiates joint statement on protection of rights of landmine victims at UN Human Rights Council

A joint statement titled “Revising the effects of landmines and explosive remnants of war on human rights” was issued during the 57th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, APA reports.

The statement, initiated by Albania, Azerbaijan, Chile, Mozambique, Panama, and Croatia, was delivered by the representative of Croatia.

Issued under the agenda item “Promotion and protection of all human rights, civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights, including the right to development,” the statement emphasized that “landmines and explosive remnants of war have both immediate and long-term negative impacts on a wide range of human rights, including the rights to life, health, education, work, and freedom of movement.”

It also highlighted that landmines hinder the safe return of internally displaced persons (IDPs). The signatories urged the UN Human Rights Council to take concrete steps to address the impact of landmines and explosive remnants of war on human rights.

The statement clearly noted that the responsibility for human rights violations resulting from landmine explosions lies with the states using them: “States’ human rights obligations should define their national and international policies in addressing issues related to the use and presence of landmines.”

The exchange of mine maps is described as one of the most important duties of international cooperation enshrined in international human rights law, which, according to the UN Secretary-General, constitutes “one of the cornerstones for achieving lasting peace and sustainable development.”

Upon its publication, the statement was endorsed and signed by a broad interregional group of 65 countries representing Europe, Africa, Latin America, and Asia.

Azerbaijani diplomats also acted as co-authors of the joint statement, which was supported by a coalition of 65 countries.

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