There is a fragile security situation for those living along Armenia's border with Azerbaijan after the 2020 truce ending the six-week war between the countries in and around Nagorno-Karabakh, broke down several times with Azerbaijan making incursions into Nagorno Karabakh and Armenia. Amid growing insecurity from the unresolved conflict, the political opposition blames Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and demands his resignation.

Authorities pursue ambitious judicial, police, and constitutional reforms, but face civil society criticism over the consistency and progress of the reforms. Human rights problems include ill-treatment by law enforcement, interference with freedom of assembly, domestic violence, discrimination against people with disabilities, and violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

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October 4, 2020
Stepanakert (Khankendi)
Nagorno Karabakh 

On September 27, fighting escalated between Azerbaijani and Armenian forces over the disputed territory of Nagorno-Karabakh, after Azerbaijan launched a military offensive. 

Human Rights Watch visited Nagorno-Karabakh in October and November and documented substantial damage to schools, private homes, businesses and hospitals. 

Azerbaijani forces used explosive weapons with wide area effects in Stepanakert which can have indiscriminate impact on civilians and civilian objects. 

International humanitarian law prohibits attacks that strike military objectives and civilians, or civilian objects, without distinction. 

Azerbaijan should investigate potential unlawful attacks on populated areas, ensure accountability for any violation, and commit to avoiding the use of explosive weapons with wide-area effects in populated areas.

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