cluster munition

Cluster munitions are weapons that consist of an outer casing holding numerous smaller submunitions, which are scattered over a wide area when deployed. These submunitions can include bomblets, grenades, or mines. A significant danger arises from unexploded submunitions, which can persist for years after a conflict and pose a threat to civilians, similar to landmines.1

The Convention on Cluster Munitions, adopted in 2008 and effective since 2010, prohibits the manufacture, transfer, and use of these weapons. This international treaty was championed by organizations like the Cluster Munition Coalition due to the indiscriminate harm cluster munitions inflict. Despite the treaty, some countries, including China, Russia, and the United States, have not adopted it.1