Cluster munitions: why we need to limit them

Cluster munitions : what are they and what is the problem?

©AP M. Zaatari

Cluster munitions have been a persistent problem for decades. The wide area effects of these weapons and the large numbers of submunitions that fail to explode as intended have caused large numbers of civilian casualties. Although only a limited number of countries have actually used cluster munitions, 75 have these weapons in their stockpiles. If even a fraction of the cluster munitions in current stocks are used or transferred to other countries or non-State armed groups, the consequences could far exceed those of anti-personnel mines. Unfortunately, technological improvements to cluster munitions have not provided an adequate solution. It is unlikely that any single technical improvement could adequately address the humanitarian problems caused by these weapons.

What are cluster munitions?
Why are cluster munitions of such concern from a humanitarian perspective?
How many countries produce and stockpile cluster munitions?
How many countries have used cluster munitions?
Can self-destruct mechanisms and other technical improvements solve the cluster munition problem?

Cluster munitions

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Where are cluster munitions? What is their legacy?

J. Rodsted

At least 21 States and four areas of Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Europe are affected by cluster munitions or have been in the last five decades. In some countries, cluster munitions were used extensively, such as in Laos where the weapons were dropped over a period of nine years (1964 to 1973), creating a widespread lethal hazard for the population (GICHD, February 2007). In other contexts, their use has been more limited but the impact has also been severe. In Kosovo, for instance, the conflict lasted only 11 weeks, but it is estimated that between 230,000 and 290,000 submunitions were dropped (Landmine Action/ICRC) and that approximately 30,000 remained unexploded on the ground when the fighting ended (ICRC, 2001).

Which States and areas are most affected by cluster munitions?
What challenges arise in areas affected by cluster munitions?

Cluster munition contamination

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Cluster munition victims

©AP / M. Zaatari

What is known and what is needed?

There are victims of cluster munitions in at least 21 States and four areas of Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Europe. A 2007 study published by Handicap International confirmed 13,306 deaths and injuries due to cluster munitions. Men were found to be the most frequent victims, followed by children, who are often attracted by the shape, size and colour of cluster munitions. Boys are particularly at risk due to the activities they are often assigned in rural communities (such as farming and herding). Women make up a smaller percentage of cluster munition victims in most of the contaminated areas.Survivors of cluster munition incidents will often have serious blast or fragment injuries. They will frequently need long term treatment and rehabilitation, which will include medical care, physical rehabilitation, psycho-social support and socio-economic reintegration.

Who are the victims off cluster munitions?
What help do cluster munition victims need?
Are cluster munition victims getting the help they need?

Cluster munition victims

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What is the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement doing to reduce the impact on civilians?

To reduce the humanitarian consequences of cluster munitions, the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement promotes new norms, works in affected communities to reduce the effects of these weapons, and helps people who have been injured by them. The ICRC is actively engaged in all multilateral discussions on cluster munitions, and many National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies are encouraging their governments to review national laws and policies and support new international rules on these weapons. The ICRC and National Societies undertake a range of activities to reduce the impact on civilians of weapon contamination, including unexploded cluster munitions. These include incident-data gathering, risk education, and measures to facilitate safe access to food, water and fuel in contaminated areas. The ICRC provides assistance to cluster munition victims through its support for first-aid services (often run by National Societies), surgery and physical rehabilitation.

Activities to reduce the effects of weapon contamination
Assisting the victims

Cluster munitions : What is the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement doing ?

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