Azerbaijan: Activity highlights for the first half of 2022

Azerbaijan: Activity highlights for the first half of 2022

During the first six months of 2022, ICRC continues its activities aimed at helping people living in conflict-affected areas in Azerbaijan. Diverse range of activities were implemented to provide humanitarian protection and assistance to those in need.
Article 18 August 2022 Azerbaijan

Risks associated with landmines and unexploded ordinances constitute a serious challenge for those who reside or work in conflict-affected areas. ICRC carries-out numerous activities to increase awareness on mine risks and weapon contamination.

More than 5,000 individuals from 28 affected communities, and more than 300 workers from various entities operating in the contaminated territories have benefitted from sessions on risk awareness and safer behavior (RASB).

More than 300 individuals received assistance to support their livelihood. 357 persons with complex trauma benefitted from mental health and psychosocial support provided by the ICRC. Within the Access to Education program, 215 children from 5 conflict-affected communities received toys and play materials.

To support relevant authorities in the clarification of the fate and whereabouts of those who went missing in relation to the conflict, the ICRC has collected 700 biological reference samples from 303 families of missing persons. Throughout the process 47 family members have received psychosocial support from the ICRC. Representatives of various governmental entities involved in the search for missing people have benefitted from relevant courses organized by the ICRC.

Dialogue with relevant authorities continued through the reporting period to promote international humanitarian law (IHL). More than 1,000 cadets and officers have participated in IHL related trainings organized by the ICRC. In collaboration with the Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society (AzRCS), ICRC has provided trainings to dozens of the AzRCS volunteers on various topics.

Below are some key figures covering January – June 2022.

5,125
Individuals from 28 conflict affected communities benefitted from RASB sessions and Forum theatres which allowed them to increase resilience to mine risks and weapon contamination
1,091
Officers and cadets of the MoD participated in IHL trainings
700
Biological reference samples were collected from 303 families of missing persons from the 90s conflict to facilitate future identification of human remains
198
Individuals repatriated by the authorities from the Middle East have benefitted from financial assistance
116
Households in 5 conflict affected communities participated in a beekeeping training and 73 of them received relevant tools, bee colony, beehives and medicines
357
Persons received direct Mental Health and Psychosocial support in relation to complex trauma
215
Children in kindergartens in 5 conflict affected communities benefitted from distribution of toys and play materials
45
Visits to 22 places of detention were conducted to monitor conditions of detention, treatment, access to healthcare and judicial guarantees