The first phase of the Landmine Free South Caucasus regional campaign running from 2018 to 2023) came to an end with an event in Baku on 4 December 2023. The event was organised by LINKS Europe together with the Azerbaijan Campaign to ban Landmines.
The event on 4 December was attended by several Ambassadors of the EU member states, including Germany and Poland, as well as the Head of the EU Delegation Peter Michalka. Also present were representatives of UNDP, ANAMA, the Ombudsman Office and members of the Milli Meclis.
An important speech during the event was made by Ambassador Elashad Iskanderov, Ambassador at large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, who outlined the challenges facing Azerbaijan as it tries to address the grave problem of landmines, and action that Azerbaijan government is taking in the international arena. Ambassador Iskanderov also made a number of concrete suggestions for going forward.
However, all the speeches of the diplomats and officials and activists during the event were overshadowed by a very emotional presentation by one recent victim of landmines – a deminer who lost limbs and eyesight. Tears came to the eyes of most present as he made his presentation. It was a truly fitting conclusion for the Landmine Free South Caucasus campaign, reminding that the landmine problem is first and foremost a humanitarian problem.
During the closing event of the Landmine Free South Caucasus Campaign held on 4 December, LINKS Europe director made a presentation of the work of the campaign since 2018, and opened a process of consultation about the way forward. It is expected that this consultation process will be concluded on 15 February.
