Since the beginning of 2004, 11 people have died and 12 injured as result of mine explosion on the front line territories of Azerbaijan, Interfax reported on Friday. “According to statistics made by the Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA), since September 2001, 36 people have died and 47 injured,” said the ANAMA Press Office. (15 August 2004)
Joint project
Since April 1999 UNDP and the government of Azerbaijan started the joint project to finance ANAMA. The main goal of the project is to create a national mine action capacity capable of planning, coordinating and managing all mine related activities in the currently liberated areas, and enable it to expand into areas yet to be liberated.
The Azerbaijani and UNDP authorities hope that the project will reduce the number of fatal accidents and injuries caused by mine explosions, thereby promoting the return of IDPs. It will also enable the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the infrastructure and provide food safety and income generating opportunities.
ANAMA background
Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA) established on July 18, 1998 by the Presidential Decree, under the State Commission for Reconstruction and Rehabilitation of war affected territories. Being responsible for planning and coordination, management and monitoring of mine action related activities all over the country, ANAMA is the executing agency in Azerbaijan Mine Action Program.
