Internationally banned cluster munitions have only been used in Ukraine this year, according to observers. The international cluster munitions coalition reported in Geneva on Thursday that Russia has shot down large quantities of them in its war of aggression. At least 215 people had been killed and a further 474 injured by cluster munitions since the Russian invasion in February at the end of June.
The numbers are probably much higher. Not all cases are registered. On the Russian side, the coalition speaks of hundreds of operations that have been documented or reported, but not all of which could be independently verified, on the Ukrainian side of three.
Duds kill or injure years later
Cluster munitions refer to much smaller explosives launched in containers from aircraft and rocket launchers. They are randomly and extensively scattered and explode. Many also end up in the ground as duds, killing or injuring people years later. Most of the victims are civilians.
Treaty not signed by the US
A treaty from 2008 prohibits, among other things, the use of cluster munitions and prescribes the destruction of stocks. 123 states have signed the treaty. Among them are 24 NATO countries, but not the US. Neither Russia nor Ukraine are parties to the treaty. The Cluster Munitions Coalition is made up of non-governmental organizations from around the world that monitor compliance with the treaty.
Last year, for the first time since 2011, there were no casualties in new cluster bomb attacks. However, 149 people were killed or injured when unexploded ordnance from previous conflicts exploded. Most of the cases occurred in Syria. In 2020 there were still 360 victims.
The annual conference of the States Parties to the Convention on Cluster Munitions will take place in Geneva from 30 August.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
