Azerbaijan Uses Banned Weapons in Nagorno-Karabakh: Daily Brief

Azerbaijan has repeatedly used widely banned cluster munitions in residential areas in Nagorno-Karabakh. During an on-site investigation, Human Rights Watch documented four incidents in which Azerbaijan had used cluster munitions.

Yesterday, the Polish Constitutional Tribunal ruled to end access to abortion in cases of “severe and irreversible fetal defect or incurable illness that threatens the fetus’ life.” This will further harm women and girls, violating their human rights. 

A year ago, protests erupted in Ethiopia, devolving in several places into unrest and communal violence. According to official government figures, 86 people died during the protests and clashes, including 10 deaths that were the result of “confrontations” with the security forces. A year on, victims and their families still seek justice for abuses.

Voting at the upcoming US elections must be accessible for all. In an election with many voting concerns, states should ensure the voices and votes of people with disabilities are heard and counted. 

Does the FARC still exist? Read more about current challenges in assessing Colombia’s ‘post conflict’ under international humanitarian law. 

In Iran, human rights defenders who reported abuse in detention are now being prosecuted. The judiciary’s recent rhetoric on "transparency" rings especially hollow if prosecutors silence alleged torture victims rather than impartially investigating their claims.

And this year's European Parliament Sakharov Prize goes to the women and men of the democratic opposition in Belarus. This prize is awarded every year to "honour exceptional individuals and organisations defending human rights and fundamental freedoms."