Cluster Munitions

What are Cluster Munitions?

Dropped from the air or fired from the ground, cluster munitions are canisters that open up in mid-air to release many explosive submunitions. They have a wide area effect and their submunitions often fail to explode upon impact, leaving behind a threat similar to that of landmines.

History of Cluster Munitions

Cluster munitions have killed and injured thousands of civilians during the last 40 years and continue to do so today. The first massive use was in South East Asia in the 60s and 70s: In Laos alone, up to 27 million submunitions remain from the U.S. bombings.

Arguments for a Ban

Cluster munitions pose an indiscriminate threat both during the attack and after the end of conflicts. Unexploded submunitions threaten lives and limbs, hamper provision of relief and impede post-conflict reconstruction.