Cluster munition

In simple, functional terms, a cluster munition (or cluster bomb) is a container that holds a number of submunitions, ranging from a few to several hundred. They can be airor ground-launched, releasing “bomblets” or “grenades”, respectively. Since their design and first use over half a century ago, more than 35 countries and territories have been affected by their use and more than 20 countries have used them (Cluster Munition Coalition). Cambodia, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic and Viet Nam, which were bombed between 1964 and 1973, together have the tragic distinction of being the world’s most heavily cluster-bombed region. Other areas affected by cluster munitions include Chad, Eritrea, Sierra Leone and the Sudan in Africa, as well as Afghanistan, Albania, Chechnya and the former Yugoslav Republics. The Cluster Munition Coalition and Human Rights Watch report the use of cluster munitions in a number of countries since the year 2000, including in Afghanistan, Cambodia, Georgia, Iraq, Israel, Lebanon, Libya, South Sudan, the Sudan, Syria, Ukraine and Yemen.

Sustainable Development Goals:

Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions