A new Human Rights Watch report reveals that 95% of cluster munition casualties in 2022 were civilians, highlighting ongoing violations of international law by multiple countries, including Russia, Ukraine, Myanmar and Syria.
“It’s unconscionable that civilians are still dying from cluster munition attacks 15 years after these weapons were outlawed,” said Mary Wareham, Human Rights Watch arms advocacy director.
A report released by Human Rights Watch on Sept. 5 entitled "Cluster Munition Monitor 2023" underscores the unabating use of cluster munitions across various conflict zones. These findings focus primarily on the year 2022, with some updated information extending into August 2023.
“Cluster munitions are abhorrent weapons that are globally banned because they cause both immediate and long-term civilian harm and suffering,” Wareham said.
In July 2023, Human Rights Watch reported that the United States began transferring an unspecified amount of 155mm artillery-delivered cluster munitions to Ukraine. These weapons deliver DPICM submunitions, known for their 6 to 14% failure rate, increasing the threat of unexploded ordnance. The report mentioned that at least 21 government leaders and officials criticized the U.S. decision, some of whom represent nations supporting Ukraine.
According to the Human Rights Watch report, 95% of all cluster munition casualties in 2022 were civilians. The organization recorded that at least 987 people were killed or wounded due to cluster munitions last year. A disproportionate 890 of these casualties occurred in Ukraine.
Human Rights Watch noted Russia’s repeated use of cluster munitions in Ukraine since the nation's full-scale invasion on Feb. 24, 2022. Ukrainian forces have also been cited for employing these internationally banned weapons, resulting in further civilian casualties. The report also pointed out the use of cluster munitions by the Myanmar military and Syrian government forces in 2022.
As per the report, 112 countries have ratified the 2008 Convention on Cluster Munitions, while another 12 have signed it, indicating their intent to comply. Human Rights Watch recorded that Nigeria ratified the convention on Feb. 28, and South Sudan did the same on Aug. 3.
