Cluster Munitions Convention under threat as civilians continue to pay the price

• All 314 recorded cluster munitions casualties in 2024 were civilians, with children making up 42% of those harmed by unexploded remnants.
• New use of cluster munitions was reported in Ukraine, Myanmar and Syria in 2024. Ukraine recorded the highest toll with at least 193 civilian casualties.
• Lithuania’s withdrawal from the Convention on Cluster Munitions, effective on 6th March 2025 raises a concerning threat on international humanitarian disarmament norms.
• Cluster munition production and transfers continue, including recent manufacturing in Iran, North Korea, and South Korea, and at least five U.S. shipments of cluster munitions to Ukraine via Germany between July 2023 and April 2024.
• Despite setbacks, progress continues: in 2024, States Parties contaminated with cluster munition remnants released just over 100km² of hazardous area through clearance, technical survey, and non-technical survey.
• 83,452 cluster munition remnants were destroyed - the highest figure in five years - demonstrating the Convention’s effectiveness when upheld.

The 2025 Cluster Munition Monitor, released today, reveals deeply concerning trends in the global fight against cluster munitions. Despite being banned under the 2008 Convention on Cluster Munitions, these weapons continue to kill and maim civilians, threatening hard-won progress in humanitarian disarmament.

In 2024, 314 casualties were recorded globally - and every single victim was a civilian. Children accounted for 42% of those harmed by unexploded remnants.

“Cluster munitions are banned for a reason: civilians, including children, account for the vast majority of casualties from both direct attacks and unexploded ordnance,” said Anne Héry, Advocacy Director at Humanity & Inclusion.

The Monitor documents new use in Ukraine, Myanmar, and Syria, where these indiscriminate weapons once again devastated communities. For the third consecutive year, Ukraine recorded the highest toll, with at least 193 civilians killed or injured in cluster munition attacks in 2024 and another 15 harmed by unexploded submunitions. Many more military casualties were likely unreported.

Casualties were also recorded in Afghanistan, Iraq, Lao PDR, Lebanon, Mauritania, Syria, and Yemen, demonstrating the persistent and global nature of the threat. Since recordkeeping began in the 1960s, more than 56,800 people worldwide are believed to have been killed or injured by cluster munitions worldwide.

Lithuania’s withdrawal raises alarm

Adding to the humanitarian crisis, Lithuania’s withdrawal from the Convention - effective  on 6th March 2025 - raises a concerning threat on international humanitarian disarmament norms. “Questioning the Cluster Munition Convention is unacceptable,” warned Héry. “States convening at the annual conference must reaffirm their strong attachment to the treaty and their condemnation of any use by any party.”

Ongoing use and transfers

The Monitor highlights disturbing developments in production and transfers. Evidence points to recent manufacturing in Iran, North Korea, and South Korea. Between July 2023 and April 2024, the United States delivered at least five shipments of cluster munition shells to Ukraine, with Germany serving as a transit route. In June 2024, an Indian company openly promoted cluster munitions at the Eurosatory Arms Exhibition in Paris.

Currently, 17 states still produce or reserve the right to produce these weapons, including Russia, the US, China, and others.

The humanitarian impact 

Cluster munitions scatter over wide areas, leaving behind unstable submunitions that act like landmines for years. They endanger farmers, children, and clearance teams alike. The Testimony of Volodymyr, a lawyer from Ukraine illustrates the devastating personal toll. 

Volodymyr, 59, suffered life-changing injuries in a 2022 attack. “Cluster munitions are dark, scary and awful… When you’re injured by cluster munitions there is no end,” he said.

A Treaty that needs to be defended

A total of 11 States Parties have completed clearance of cluster munition contaminated areas - the most recent being Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2023. More than 100km² of land was released and at least 83,452 remnants destroyed in 2024 - the highest number reported in five years.

Adopted in 2008 and in force since 2010, the Convention on Cluster Munitions has been joined by 123 states, representing more than 60% of the world’s nations. Delegates will meet in Geneva, September 16th -19th, where they must reaffirm their commitment.

“The Convention is effective in protecting civilians from this barbaric weapon. We must defend it,” said Héry.

Notes

Link to the report

Spokespersons

• Anne Hery, Advocacy Director, Humanity & Inclusion 
• Alma Taslidzan, Disarmament Advocacy Officer, Humanity & inclusion

Full testimony of Volodymyr from Ukraine available upon request (including pictures)

About The Monitor

The Landmine and Cluster Munition Monitor (The Monitor) tracks adherence to and compliance with the Mine Ban Treaty and the Convention on Cluster Munitions. A broad-based global network of individuals, campaigns, and organisations contribute to the Monitor research work. A founder member, Humanity & Inclusion sits on its Monitoring and Research Committee which includes five NGOs, as well as Monitor research team leaders and relevant senior ICBL-CMC staff.

https://www.the-monitor.org/