From 1988 through 1994, the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan resulted in the displacement of tens of thousands of people. A moving front line resulted in mass destruction of housing and infrastructure. The national Agency for Rehabilitation and Reconstruction of Areas is responsible for repatriating Internally Displaced People and worked on reconstruction and rehabilitation work in regions affected by the war. The threat of landmine and unexploded ordnance contamination seriously hampered progress.
MAG supported Relief Azerbaijan, the national mine clearance NGO, co-ordinated by the Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action. Since 2000, we helped to support these mine action resources under contract with the UN Office for Project Services.
In mid March 2001, the teams began clearance that resulted in vital repairs being made to the national power line that runs 30km through the Fizuli region to the town of Horadiz. Areas needed to be cleared where the line passes through former defensive positions previously occupied by both the Armenian and Azerbaijan Armies during the conflict. In co-ordination with the construction company, areas around the existing pylons were cleared to make it safe to carry out the repair work, the result of which meant that inhabitants in the area once again had a more reliable supply of electricity.