ASEAN‑AZERBAIJAN MINE CLEARANCE INITIATIVE LAUNCHED
A major new international effort aimed at tackling the devastating legacy of landmines was launched this week, as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) joined hands with Azerbaijan to kick off the ASEAN‑Azerbaijan Mine Clearance Initiative. The partnership, announced in a high-level forum in Baku, marks a significant step forward in global cooperation on humanitarian demining and post-conflict recovery.
The initiative is designed to promote mine action in countries struggling with unexploded ordnance (UXO) and landmine contamination, with a particular focus on Southeast Asia and the South Caucasus—both regions with long histories of armed conflict and the enduring hazards that mines pose to civilians, infrastructure, and development.
Spearheaded by Azerbaijan’s National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA) and supported by ASEAN’s Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC), the program will include technical training, resource sharing, demining operations, and the development of community awareness programs. It is expected to involve close collaboration between governments, NGOs, and international partners including the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) and the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD).
Speaking at the launch event, ANAMA Director Vugar Suleymanov emphasized the urgent need for international solidarity: “Landmines are not just remnants of war—they are ongoing threats to peace, stability, and human life. Azerbaijan is proud to partner with ASEAN in this effort to clear minefields, educate communities, and restore safe land for future generations.”
The project comes at a crucial time. Azerbaijan continues to face widespread mine contamination following decades of conflict in and around the Nagorno-Karabakh region. Similarly, ASEAN member states like Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, and Myanmar still grapple with the deadly aftermath of war-era ordnance, which continues to maim and kill thousands across the region.
In recent years, Azerbaijan has significantly expanded its mine clearance operations, becoming a leader in applying modern technology and data-driven demining techniques. Through this initiative, ASEAN countries stand to benefit from Azerbaijan’s expertise and access to advanced tools, including drone mapping, AI-assisted detection, and robotics.
ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn welcomed the partnership, calling it a “model of South-South cooperation” and a “beacon of hope for mine-affected communities.” He added that the initiative reflects ASEAN’s deep commitment to human security and sustainable development.
Beyond clearing mines, the initiative aims to contribute to peacebuilding and economic revitalization in war-torn regions. Restoring access to agricultural land, transportation routes, and schools is seen as essential for long-term recovery. Women and youth will be specifically targeted for inclusion in educational campaigns and employment opportunities within demining efforts.
Funding for the initiative will come from a mix of government contributions, private sector partnerships, and international grants. The first joint operations are expected to commence in early 2026, with pilot programs in Laos and Azerbaijan already under discussion.
As the world faces new conflicts, this collaborative effort offers a hopeful example of how nations from different regions can come together to address shared humanitarian challenges. The ASEAN‑Azerbaijan Mine Clearance Initiative not only seeks to eliminate the physical remnants of war but also to build bridges of peace, security, and cooperation between peoples.