Cluster Munitions

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.

Europe/Central Asia

December 13, 2022
News Release
Ukraine: Apparent Cluster Munitions Hit Kherson
Middle East/North Africa

November 30, 2022
Commentary
How A New Declaration Can Help Protect Civilians During Wartime

Hanan Salah

Senior Libya Researcher, Middle East and North Africa Division

Published in: Middle East Eye
Ukraine

September 19, 2022
Commentary
It's Time for the U.S. to Ban Cluster Munitions

Mary Wareham

Advocacy Director, Arms Division

Published in: Foreign Policy in Focus

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August 16, 2022 Report

Ukraine: Unlawful Russian Attacks in Kharkiv

Russian Forces Use Widely Banned Cluster Munitions, Damage Hospitals
June 10, 2022 Report

Ukraine: Russian Strikes Killed Scores of Civilians in Chernihiv

Both Sides Obligated to Minimize Civilian Harm
May 11, 2022 Report

Intense and Lasting Harm

Cluster Munition Attacks in Ukraine
March 17, 2022 Report

Ukraine: Cluster Munitions Repeatedly Used on Mykolaiv

Civilians Killed, Injured in Multiple Attacks That May Amount to War Crimes