On January 31, 2023, public hearings were held at the International Court of Justice at the request of Azerbaijan in order to determine additional temporary measures regarding the application of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (Azerbaijan vs. Armenia).

APA reports that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs released information about this.

These hearings were organized in connection with Azerbaijan's second appeal to the Court dated January 4, 2023, in order to "take urgent measures to prevent increased losses" as a result of the continued deliberate placement of mines and explosive traps in civilian areas of Azerbaijan by the Armenian armed forces.

After the end of the conflict in 2020, 282 people, most of whom were civilians, including 3 journalists, were victims of Azerbaijani mines or other explosive devices.

Azerbaijan's appeal contains new evidence showing that Armenia continues to place mines on its territory, contrary to the information submitted to the International Court of Justice in October 2021 and even after the agreement on the cessation of all hostilities under the Tripartite Declaration in November 2020 .

Since August 2022, more than 2700 mines of Armenian production in 2021 have been discovered in Azerbaijan.

Armenia's behavior is a gross violation of its obligations under the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination and other international laws.

1,600 of these mines illegally brought to the territory of Azerbaijan, as well as mine traps, were buried in civilian areas where Azerbaijanis were expelled 30 years ago as a result of Armenia's ethnic cleansing campaign and illegal occupation of Azerbaijani territories, preventing the return of these displaced families and communities to their homes.

Information about the location, quantity, type and characteristics of mines, landmines and any other explosive devices in cities, villages and other areas where Azerbaijani civilians will return to Lachin and Kalbajar regions of Azerbaijan and other previously occupied regions in order to enable Azerbaijani IDPs to return to their homes The International Court of Justice was requested to immediately take all necessary steps by Armenia in order for Azerbaijan to carry out demining in an efficient, safe and effective manner.

and that Azerbaijan immediately cease and desist from any further efforts to plant or sponsor or support the placement of mines and landmines in these areas to which Azerbaijani civilians will return, including but not limited to the use of the Lachin Road asked the court to issue an instruction to Armenia.

Earlier, on December 7, 2021, the Court granted Azerbaijan's first request for interim measures to protect against violations of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Continuing Racial Discrimination by Armenia, and all measures to prevent the incitement and promotion of racial hatred directed against Azerbaijanis. instructed Armenia to take the necessary measures.

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Public hearings on the case of Azerbaijan against Armenia at the International Court of Justice regarding the application of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination ended today.

APA reports that after that the Court will start the discussion.

At the hearings held on January 31, 2023 at the residence of the Court (Peace Palace), the Azerbaijani delegation was led by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan Elnur Mammadov as a representative.

The Court's decision on the application for temporary measures will be announced in open session, and the date of its announcement will be announced at a certain time.