Beyond Clearance: Witnessing How Mine Action Makes Recovery Possible
ASEAN REGIONAL MINE ACTION CENTER
05
Sep
During its mission to Azerbaijan, the ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC) had the honour of joining ITF Enhancing Human Security for a field visit to Aghdam and the wider Qarabagh region, generously hosted by the Mine Action Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (Mine Action Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan – ANAMA). ARMAC was privileged to undertake the visit alongside Dr. Aleš Musar, First Gentleman of the Republic of Slovenia and Member of the ITF Board of Trustees, and Ambassador Tomaž Lovrenčič, Director of ITF Enhancing Human Security.
The visit offered a powerful opportunity to witness the full human journey of mine action — from the lasting consequences of explosive ordnance to what becomes possible when land is made safe again.
The delegation heard deeply moving accounts from landmine survivors and affected families. Among them was the story of a child who witnessed the loss of his father in a mine accident — a painful reminder that behind every casualty figure is a person, a family and a story that continues long after the incident.
Yet alongside these difficult stories, the delegation witnessed remarkable transformation. In areas once heavily affected by explosive ordnance, clearance is enabling roads, infrastructure and communities to return. The scale and pace at which mine action is being translated into recovery and development left a profound impression on ARMAC.
Mine action does not end when an explosive item is removed.
Clearance creates the conditions for people to return.
Victim assistance helps people rebuild their lives.
Risk education helps communities live more safely.
And recovery turns safe land into opportunity and a future.
The visit also provided a valuable opportunity to exchange perspectives with Dr. Musar, Ambassador Lovrenčič, ANAMA and international partners on how humanitarian mine action can contribute to human security, recovery and sustainable development.
ARMAC extends its sincere appreciation to ANAMA and its leadership for making this important visit possible and for sharing Azerbaijan’s experience, achievements and lessons with the delegation.
As an ASEAN regional centre of excellence, ARMAC remains committed to connecting international experience with regional dialogue, knowledge exchange and cooperation among ASEAN Member States.
Because the true impact of mine action is measured not only by what is removed from the ground, but by the lives, communities and futures that can be rebuilt upon.
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