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Nagorno-Karabakh

Last Updated: 19 October 2010

Cluster Munition Ban Policy

Prior to the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the Parliament of the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Province voted in 1988 to secede from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic (SSR) and join the Armenian SSR, which resulted in armed conflict from 1988 to 1994. The region declared independence as the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic in 1991. Nagorno-Karabakh is not recognized by any UN member state and thus is not eligible to adhere formally to international instruments such as the Convention on Cluster Munitions.

Authorities in Nagorno-Karabakh have not made a public declaration of their cluster munition policy. It is not known if Nagorno-Karabakh forces possess cluster munitions. 

Submunition contamination has been identified in Nagorno-Karabakh from the 1988 to 1994 conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the territory. Large quantities of air-dropped cluster munitions were used over the six-year period. However, which armed forces used cluster munitions is not known.

Cluster Munition Remnants

HALO Trust has reported that Nagorno-Karabakh has a significant cluster munition problem, particularly in the Askeran and Martakert regions. HALO has already cleared the majority of cluster munition tasks around Stepanakert and Shushi.[1]

HALO initially conducted emergency surface clearance of cluster munition remnants. By 2008, HALO concluded there was also a significant sub-surface threat and it subsequently began a re-survey of cluster munition strikes. The result of the survey was an increase in the area determined to need battle area clearance from 85km² to 94km² in 2009.[2]  



[1] Email from Andrew Moore, Caucasus and Balkans Desk Officer, HALO, 5 March 2010.

[2] Ibid, 28 April 2010.