Cluster munitions continue to wreak havoc worldwide, causing thousands of civilian casualties, particularly among children. A new report from the Cluster Munition Coalition highlights the alarming persistence of these weapons and the threat they pose to international efforts to ban them.
According to the Cluster Munition Monitor 2024, civilians accounted for 93% of cluster munitions casualties globally in 2023. The 100-page report underscores the devastating impact of these weapons, particularly on children, who made up nearly half of the victims. The report will be presented at the 12th Meeting of States Parties to the Convention on Cluster Munitions at the UN in Geneva from September 10 to 13.
IMPACT ON CIVILIAN AREAS
The report details how cluster munition remnants have directly harmed civilian infrastructure, including schools and hospitals. This ongoing threat highlights the urgent need for global action to prevent further suffering.
GLOBAL RESPONSE AND NEW VIOLATIONS
As of the latest report, 112 states have joined the international ban on cluster munitions. This convention mandates the destruction of stockpiles, clearance of contaminated areas, and provision of victim assistance. However, new violations have been reported, with both Russian and Ukrainian forces deploying these weapons in 2023.
The number of cluster munition manufacturers has risen to 17, including countries like Myanmar, North Korea, and Iran. This increase complicates global efforts to enforce the ban and protect civilians.
The report also identifies new uses of cluster munitions in Myanmar and Syria. These developments highlight the continued challenge of enforcing the global ban and protecting vulnerable populations.
DEADLY LEGACY OF CLUSTER MUNITIONS
Cluster munitions, much like landmines, leave a dangerous legacy. Many submunitions fail to detonate on impact, creating hazards that can persist for years.
The report reveals that 28 countries and regions are contaminated by cluster munition remnants, including 10 States Parties to the convention. In Ukraine, contamination is so severe that it surpasses that of anti-personnel and anti-vehicle landmines combined, severely affecting agricultural land.
Efforts to clear contaminated areas face significant obstacles due to limited funding, security issues, and challenging terrain. The report notes a decrease in the area cleared in 2023 compared to previous years, emphasizing the need for continued support and resources.
VICTIM ASSISTANCE AND PROGRESS
Cluster munition injuries result in severe, long-term medical needs. The report highlights progress in victim assistance but notes persistent challenges, particularly in countries like Afghanistan and Lebanon where healthcare systems are under strain.
Ukraine has recorded the highest number of annual cluster munition casualties for the second year in a row. The true number of casualties is believed to be significantly higher than reported, with over a thousand people affected since Russia’s invasion in February 2022.
MILESTONES AND NEW DEVELOPMENTS
In August 2023, Bosnia and Herzegovina became the ninth State Party to complete the clearance of cluster munition-contaminated areas. Peru also achieved a major milestone by destroying its stockpiled cluster munitions, marking the completion of this obligation by all States Parties.
Despite these achievements, new challenges are emerging. In many affected areas, more contamination is being discovered even as existing hazards are cleared. Additionally, Lithuania has announced its intention to withdraw from the Convention on Cluster Munitions, pending certain procedural steps.
