GENEVA - The United Nations Human Rights Council adopted without a vote an Azerbaijan-backed resolution addressing the impact of anti-personnel mines on human rights, with 70 countries joining the text as co-sponsors.
The resolution was adopted Oct. 7 during the council’s 63rd session in Geneva, Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry said.
The measure, titled “The Impact of Anti-Personnel Mines on the Full Enjoyment of Human Rights: Strengthening Assistance to Victims,” calls for greater international funding for mine clearance and support for people injured by mines and their families.
It encourages governments and international partners to explore alternative financing sources and public-private partnerships to strengthen assistance for mine-affected communities.
From Initiative to Adopted Resolution
Azerbaijan supported and actively promoted the measure as a co-author. Its representatives had previously organized a public dialogue and a separate event on mine victims’ rights during the Human Rights Council session.
The resolution links mine action with sustainable peace, the return of displaced people, the reconstruction of affected territories and progress toward the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals.
It also emphasizes the long-term social and economic consequences of mine contamination, including restrictions on housing, agriculture, transportation and the safe restoration of damaged communities.
Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry said the scale of mine contamination in the country requires broader international support and stable financing. Baku has repeatedly called for humanitarian demining to be treated not only as a security issue but also as a human-rights and development priority.
Adoption without a vote indicates that no Human Rights Council member requested a recorded vote on the text. Co-sponsorship by 70 states reflects cross-regional support for the measure.
Sources: Report.az; Vesti Baku.