Northwest Syria: Government Uses Cluster Munitions
Syrian, Russia Forces Also Use Incendiary Weapons
Cluster munitions pose an immediate threat to civilians during conflict by randomly scattering submunitions or bomblets over a wide area. They continue to pose a threat post-conflict by leaving remnants, including submunitions that fail to explode upon impact becoming de facto landmines. The 2008 Convention on Cluster Munitions prohibits the use, production, transfer, and stockpiling of cluster munitions. It also requires destruction of stockpiles, clearance of areas contaminated by remnants, and victim assistance. More than 120 states have joined the Convention on Cluster Munitions and are working to implement its provisions. Human Rights Watch is a founding member of the Cluster Munition Coalition and contributes to its annual Cluster Munition Monitor report.
February 8, 2024
January 11, 2024
Syrian, Russia Forces Also Use Incendiary Weapons
Russian Forces Use Widely Banned Cluster Munitions, Damage Hospitals
Both Sides Obligated to Minimize Civilian Harm
All Treaty Parties Now Comply with Stockpiling Ban
Syrian, Russia Forces Also Use Incendiary Weapons
Treaty Parties Condemn New Use of Widely Banned Weapon
Delivered by Susan Aboeid on behalf of the Cluster Munition Coalition
Delivered by Mary Wareham on behalf of the Cluster Munition Coalition
State-Controlled Media Outlets Reprise Role of Manipulating the Message
Global Report Tracks Civilian Harm from Prohibited Weapon
Becomes 112th State Party to International Treaty