Winners of the joint grant competition on the problem of mines and unexploded ordnance announced

The winners of the grant competition announced within the framework of initiatives aimed at addressing the problem of mines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) in the territories liberated from occupation have been determined.

The competition was organized jointly by the Agency for State Support to Non-Governmental Organizations of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Karabakh Revival Fund, in partnership with the Mine Action Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (ANAMA). Its main objective is to assess risks related to mines and UXO in the liberated territories, as well as to carry out awareness-raising activities among citizens living and working in areas close to the former line of contact.

This competition was held within the framework of the first joint initiative implemented by the Agency for State Support to Non-Governmental Organizations of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Karabakh Revival Fund. A total of 30 project proposals submitted under the large, medium, and small grant categories were reviewed through expert evaluation and detailed analysis, resulting in the selection of the 10 most effective projects.

The list of winners by thematic areas is as follows:

For the assessment of risks related to mines and UXO in the liberated territories:

• Azerbaijan Mine Victims Association Public Union – “Safe Return: Support for Combating the Mine Threat”
• Gilavar Photo Club Public Union – “Goal 18: A Mine-Free World”

For raising awareness about the mine threat among citizens settled in the liberated territories:

• International Eurasia Press Fund – “Supporting Efforts to Combat the Threat of Mines and Explosive Ordnance”
• “Dayag” Humanitarian Assistance Non-Governmental Organization – “Safe Steps: Awareness Initiatives on the Mine Threat”
• Azerbaijan Campaign to Ban Landmines Public Union – “Raising Awareness Among People Returning to the Liberated Territories About the Danger of Mines and UXO”
• “Chirag” Humanitarian and Development Public Union – “Awareness Activities to Reduce the Impact of Mines and Unexploded Ordnance in the Liberated Territories and Surrounding Districts”
• Football Development Fund – “Awareness on the Threat of Mines and Unexploded Ordnance”
• “Towards Innovation” Youth Support Public Union – “Innovative Initiatives for a Mine-Free Life”
• “Inci” Public Union of Internally Displaced Women – “Raising Children’s Awareness of the Mine Threat in the Liberated Territories”

For supporting the reintegration of mine and UXO victims into society:

• “Shafa” Psychological and Social Assistance Public Union – “Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Social Reintegration of Mine and UXO Victims”

The implementation of these projects will be carried out in line with the objectives defined in the “First State Program on the Great Return to the Territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan Liberated from Occupation,” the “Socio-Economic Development Strategy for 2022–2026,” and the “Azerbaijan 2030: National Priorities for Socio-Economic Development.”

Mine clearance and awareness-raising activities have been identified as one of the priority areas for ensuring safe living conditions in the liberated territories. The supported projects will contribute significantly to reducing the mine threat, ensuring public safety, and advancing the Great Return process.