Nagorno Karabakh
Nagorno Karabakh is a remote and beautiful place in the South Caucasus, a land of forest and mountains. However, its people have been haunted by the presence of landmines for more than two decades as a result of the 1988-94 Nagorno Karabakh War. In fact, there have been more landmine accidents per capita in Karabakh than anywhere else in the world. A quarter of the victims are children.
Like Oksen Baghdasaryan, most Karabakhis living in mined areas are dependent on agricultural land or woodland to support their families.
“I am the only resident left in the village. Fourteen families with twenty children lived here, but they moved to other villages where development is possible without the landmines.”
Oksen Baghdasaryan, Nagorno Karabakh
Our Work
Clearing landmines & explosives
Teaching people how to stay safe
Since 2000, HALO has cleared almost 500 minefields in Nagorno Karabakh, making land safe and transforming the lives of more than 130,000 people. We visit schools and communities to teach people, especially children, how to stay safe until all the landmines are gone.
But landmines are not the only challenge. When fighting broke out briefly in 2016, homes and gardens were left strewn with yet more explosives—threatening the lives of local people. We reacted immediately, working with the Rescue Service to remove the dangerous items.
We continue to work to make Karabakh safe, clearing minefields and responding to emergency callouts by members of the public.
OUR IMPACT
“When you’re clearing mines, I know you’re not clearing it just for people like me, but for the whole community. It’s a powerful mission that you’re carrying out here, and it means safety for my kids, for their kids, for all of Karabakh.”
Mikhail Merjumian, Nagorno Karabakh
Mikhail Merjumian, who lost his leg in a landmine accident, is now benefitting from safe access to cleared land. He loves to have his two granddaughters, Ani and Ana, to come and stay. Previously, he always had to warn them to stay away from the minefield. Now, like the children from the local school, they can play freely and safely.
Stories from Nagorno Karabakh
Beware the Pink Ribbons
Unwanted Surprise
Karabakh Update
From Minefield to Hospital
Aro's Story
Gayane's Story
