The United States (US) has recently taken the decision to supply cluster munitions as part of a new military aid package to Ukraine. The package is estimated to be worth up to USD 800 million, according to several sources. This move has drawn international attention due to its possible implications for civilian casualties. The United Nations has called for refraining from the use of such weaponry due to these concerns.
Understanding Cluster Munitions
Cluster munitions are a type of explosive weapon that can either be deployed from the air or launched from the ground. They are designed to scatter smaller explosives, known as bomblets, over a broad area. These munitions are primarily intended to neutralize personnel and destroy a variety of targets like vehicles, runways, power lines, and other infrastructure. Some variants of cluster munitions can also deploy chemical or biological agents, land mines, or even propaganda leaflets.
Challenges Associated with Cluster Munitions
However, cluster munitions can indiscriminately harm civilians and their property, which constitutes a violation of international humanitarian law. One of the major issues associated with these weapons is their high failure rate, which leads to the presence of unexploded ordnance posing a constant threat. Moreover, they can render vast areas uninhabitable for extended periods, consequently burdening healthcare systems and economies in affected countries.
Historical Use of Cluster Munitions
Cluster bombs were considered significant by the US during the Afghanistan War in 2001. The last reported use of these weapons by the US was in the 2003 conflict with Iraq. During the Syrian civil war, Russian-supplied Syrian government troops frequently used cluster munitions. Israel also employed cluster bombs in civilian areas in south Lebanon, notably during the 2006 war with Hezbollah. The Saudi-led coalition in Yemen faced global criticism for using cluster bombs in their conflict with the Houthi rebels.
The Convention on Cluster Munitions
The Convention on Cluster Munitions is an international treaty that prohibits the use, production, transfer, and stockpiling of cluster munitions due to their indiscriminate impact and long-lasting effects on civilian populations. Adopted in Dublin by 107 States on May 30, 2008, and signed in Oslo on December 3, 2008, it formally became binding international law from August 1, 2010. Up to now, 123 States have joined the Convention – 111 as State Parties and 12 as Signatories.
Despite the broad acceptance and adoption of the Convention, several nations including India, the United States, Russia, Ukraine, Pakistan, and Israel, have refrained from signing it. This highlights the continuing debates, disagreements, and challenges surrounding the use of cluster munitions in international conflicts and warfare.