Cluster Munitions: States Should Uphold Ban Treaty

Cluster munitions continue to pose a threat to civilians worldwide, despite the adoption of the Convention on Cluster Munitions in 2008. Human Rights Watch has released a report, "Cluster Munition Monitor 2025," which highlights progress made by countries in adhering to the convention, but also warns of continued use and production of these indiscriminate weapons by countries not party to the treaty. The report calls upon governments to reinforce the global ban on cluster munitions and condemn their use, citing the need for continued clearance of contaminated land and provision of assistance to victims.

Key Takeaways:

The Convention on Cluster Munitions, adopted in 2008, has been ratified by 112 countries, with 109 of them adhering to the treaty's provisions.
Despite progress, cluster munitions continue to harm civilians, with 42% of reported casualties in 2024 being children.
Countries not party to the treaty, including Russia and Ukraine, have continued to use cluster munitions in 2024 and 2025.
Lithuania became the first country to withdraw from the convention in March 2025, a major setback for humanitarian disarmament.
The report highlights the need for clearmore clearance of contaminated land and provision of assistance to victims, as many affected countries struggle to provide adequate services due to funding cuts.
Human Rights Watch has called upon governments to reinforce the stigma against cluster munitions and condemn their continued use.

Statistics:

112 countries have ratified the Convention on Cluster Munitions.
In 2024, all reported cluster munition casualties were civilians, of whom 42% were children.
Between July 2023 and October 2024, the United States announced at least seven transfers of cluster munitions to Ukraine.
New use of cluster munitions during the reporting period were also documented in Myanmar and Syria.
Countries have surveyed and cleared substantial amounts of affected land, including more than 100 square kilometers in 2024 alone.
At least 83,452 unexploded submunitions and other cluster munition remnants were destroyed in 2024, the highest number in any given year over the past five years.
All members of the convention had eliminated their stockpiles by the end of 2023, destroying 1.49 million cluster munitions and 179 million submunitions.

Sources:

Human Rights Watch (2025, September 15). Cluster Munitions: States Should Uphold Ban Treaty.
Cluster Munition Monitor 2025, by the Cluster Munition Coalition.