The Cracks in the Consensus: Why the Global Ban on Cluster Munitions is Under Threat
Forty-two percent. That’s the proportion of all cluster munition casualties in 2024 who were children. Despite a significant decline in overall incidents since the 2008 Convention on Cluster Munitions, the continued, and in some cases increasing, use of these indiscriminate weapons – and a shocking first-ever withdrawal from the treaty – signals a dangerous turning point in global humanitarian disarmament. The future of this ban, once considered a landmark achievement, is now deeply uncertain.
A Treaty Tested: Lithuania’s Departure and Renewed Conflict
The Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM) aimed to eliminate a weapon notorious for its wide-area effect and high failure rate, leaving behind deadly unexploded remnants. As of September 2025, 112 states are party to the treaty, committed to destroying stockpiles, clearing contaminated land, and assisting victims. However, Lithuania’s withdrawal in March 2025 sent shockwaves through the international community, condemned by at least 47 nations. This unprecedented move, ostensibly due to security concerns, raises serious questions about the long-term viability of the convention and sets a troubling precedent.
Simultaneously, the use of cluster munitions on the battlefield is escalating. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has seen both Russia and Ukraine employing these weapons, despite not being signatories to the CCM. Between July 2023 and October 2024, the United States, also not a party to the treaty, authorized at least seven transfers of cluster munitions to Ukraine, citing urgent battlefield needs. This highlights a critical tension: the perceived military utility of cluster munitions versus their devastating humanitarian consequences.
Beyond Ukraine: A Wider Pattern of Use
The resurgence isn’t limited to Eastern Europe. New instances of cluster munition use have been documented in Myanmar, Syria (though reportedly less frequent since late 2024), and even a border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia. Claims by the Israeli military regarding Iranian ballistic missile attacks involving cluster munitions further broaden the geographical scope of concern. These incidents demonstrate that the prohibition isn’t universally respected, and the weapons continue to be seen as viable options in various conflicts.
The Enduring Threat of Unexploded Ordnance
The immediate blast isn’t the only danger. A significant percentage of submunitions fail to detonate upon impact, transforming battlefields into minefields for decades. In 2024 alone, over 100 square kilometers of land were surveyed and cleared, resulting in the destruction of at least 83,452 unexploded submunitions – the highest annual figure in five years. This painstaking work, while vital, underscores the long-term legacy of these weapons and the immense resources required for remediation. Organizations like Human Rights Watch are at the forefront of advocating for increased clearance efforts and victim assistance.
Progress and Peril: A Balancing Act
Despite the setbacks, significant progress has been made. All member states of the CCM had eliminated their stockpiles by the end of 2023, destroying a staggering 1.49 million cluster munitions and 179 million submunitions. The convention has demonstrably saved lives within adhering nations. However, the continued use by non-signatories and Lithuania’s withdrawal threaten to erode the norm against these weapons. The focus is now shifting towards reinforcing the stigma associated with cluster munitions and pressuring non-compliant states to join the treaty.
The Funding Gap in Victim Assistance
While clearance efforts are crucial, providing adequate support to victims is equally important. Unfortunately, many affected countries struggle to deliver essential services due to funding cuts from donor states. This creates a critical gap in care, leaving survivors without access to medical treatment, rehabilitation, and psychosocial support. Addressing this funding shortfall is paramount to upholding the humanitarian principles of the CCM.
Looking Ahead: A Fragile Future for the Ban
The Convention on Cluster Munitions faces a critical juncture. The combination of renewed conflict, strategic calculations overriding humanitarian concerns, and the precedent set by Lithuania’s withdrawal demands a renewed commitment from the international community. The future likely holds increased diplomatic pressure on non-signatories, intensified efforts to strengthen the norm against cluster munition use, and a continued focus on victim assistance and land clearance. However, without a concerted effort to address the underlying geopolitical factors driving the use of these weapons, the global ban on cluster munitions risks becoming increasingly fragile. What steps can be taken to bolster the convention and ensure its long-term effectiveness? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
