Dangerous Areas Contaminated with Mines and Unexploded Ordnance Still Exist in Armenia

The National Mine Action Authority, the "Humanitarian Mine Action and Expertise Center," summarizes its work for 2023.

As a result of non-technical research conducted by the "Humanitarian Mine Action and Expertise Center" in 2023, two new hazardous areas contaminated with explosive ordnance have been established, covering an area of 3,190,188 square meters.

In 2023, instead of the planned 50,000 square meters, mine-clearers from “HAPC” cleared a total of 234,192 square meters of contaminated areas in the communities of Jermuk, Kechut in Vayots Dzor province and Sotk, Geghamasar in Gegharkunik province. Green certificate signs were installed in the cleared areas, indicating that they are safe, and they were handed over to local self-government bodies for further purposeful use.

As of the end of December 2023, there remain 111 confirmed and 25 suspected dangerous areas in the Republic of Armenia contaminated with mines and unexploded ordnance, covering an area of 42,165,966 square meters.

The provinces with the highest level of contamination by explosive ordnance are Gegharkunik and Syunik. The national authority emphasizes the importance of raising public awareness. In 2023, experts conducted informational activities regarding the dangers of explosive ordnance in the provinces of Tavush, Vayots Dzor, Gegharkunik, Armavir, Syunik, and in Yerevan city, reaching a total of 5,086 citizens.

To enhance the level of safe behavior among residents, public organizations were also involved in the awareness campaign this year, informing an additional 8,570 citizens.

In cooperation with UN agencies, the "HAPC" organized a summer camp for 60 children from communities affected by mines and explosive ordnance in the "Ari! Camp" resort area of Dilijan in Tavush province. At the camp, while relaxing, the children also learned safety rules for maintaining safe behavior.

In total, 13,656 residents were informed during 2023. Alongside non-technical research and clearance activities, efforts to gather data on victims of mines and explosive ordnance have also been underway. No incidents of injuries from landmines or unexploded ordnance were reported in 2023. Currently, there are 805 victims of mine explosions in Armenia.

Throughout this year, representatives from both the "HAPC" and various organizations engaged in anti-mine activities received professional training at the HAPC training center. Training sessions covering topics such as Manual Mine Clearance, Explosive Ordnance Awareness Instructor, and Battlefield Clearance were held, certifying 105 specialists for a year.

In 2023, the "HAPC" continued its cooperation with international organizations both within and beyond Armenian borders. Meetings, discussions, and experience exchanges have taken place with mine action centers in the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Republic of Lebanon, the People’s Republic of China, and Cambodia, as well as the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining.

The "National Platform for Coordination of Mine Action Activities" was launched in 2023, facilitating a space for international and local stakeholders to join forces and implement planned socio-economic activities in a more coordinated manner. This platform serves as a venue for discussing challenges and priorities within the anti-mine sector and planning actions that foster collaboration among international organizations, provincial authorities, and relevant government departments in Armenia.

This year, the "2023-2027 Strategy for Humanitarian Mine Action Activities of the National Authority for Mine Action of the Republic of Armenia" was initiated, commencing the refinement of national standards for mine action activities in Armenia.

The "HAPC" will continue the detection of unexploded ordnance, marking of hazardous areas, clearance, and awareness-raising efforts regarding safe behavior in the territory of Armenia, with coordination and oversight of humanitarian mine action activities ongoing into 2024.