Geneva – A new report released ahead of a conference reviewing the Convention on Cluster Munitions shows that 2025 saw a staggering 1,063 people killed or wounded by cluster munitions, the third‑largest annual toll since the treaty’s inception. The vast majority of those casualties – 87 percent – were civilians, and roughly two‑fifths were children.
Ukraine bears the brunt of the devastation
The report, compiled by the Cluster Munition Coalition, highlights that most of the casualties occurred in Ukraine, where the ongoing war has intensified the use of these indiscriminate weapons. The highest recorded toll was 1,172 in 2022, the year Russia launched its full‑scale invasion of Ukraine.
How cluster munitions work and why they are dangerous
Cluster munitions are launched from the ground or aircraft and explode in mid‑air, dispersing dozens of smaller bomblets over a wide area. Survivors often sustain severe injuries from blasts and burns, leading to lifelong medical needs. Unexploded bomblets can remain hidden on battlefields for years, posing a persistent threat to civilians long after hostilities cease.
Non‑signatory states continue to use the weapons
Neither Russia nor Ukraine has joined the Convention on Cluster Munitions, which now has 112 state parties committed to prohibiting the weapons. Both nations have justified their use: Russia argues the munitions are lawful, blaming humanitarian problems on improper handling, while Ukraine asserts it follows international humanitarian law when employing them.
The coalition’s report also identifies Iran, Myanmar, Thailand and several other non‑signatory states – including China, Israel, North Korea, Russia and South Korea – as having used or produced cluster munitions during the reporting period. Evidence of new production was found in nine countries.
Calls for broader participation and increased support for victims
Fahad Ahmed, Legal Adviser for the Red Cross, urged more nations, especially major military powers, to join the convention ahead of the upcoming review conference in Vientiane, Laos. He emphasized that a larger coalition is essential to curb the humanitarian toll.
The Red Cross also warned that recent funding cuts have forced it to scale back physical rehabilitation services for victims, leaving many survivors without the long‑term care they need.
What this means for the United States
While the United States remains a party to the Convention, the report’s findings highlight the importance of continued diplomatic pressure on non‑signatory states and robust support for humanitarian assistance. Strengthening enforcement mechanisms and encouraging more nations to accede to the treaty align with America’s commitment to protecting innocent lives and upholding the rule of law in armed conflict.
As the international community prepares for the Vientiane conference, the data serve as a stark reminder that the battle against cluster munitions is far from over. The rising casualty figures, especially among children, underscore the moral imperative for decisive action.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
