Cluster Munitions

GS Paper III Defence and Security

Context:

The United States has decided to send cluster munitions to Ukraine to help its military push back Russian forces.

About Cluster Munition:

Cluster munition is a bomb that opens in the air and releases smaller “bomblets” across a wide area.
The bomblets are designed to destroy tanks and equipment, as well as troops, hitting multiple targets at the same time.
Cluster munitions have had a high dud rate.
- Dud Rate: It means that thousands of the smaller unexploded bomblets can remain unexploded and can kill and maim people decades later.
Range: Strike targets 15 to 20 miles (24 to 32 kilometers) away.

The utilization of cluster munitions presents several critical issues:

Civilian Casualties: These weapons can cause harm to civilians, including children who may not be aware of the dangers associated with unexploded bomblets.
Environmental Impact: Cluster munitions can contaminate land for prolonged periods.
Indiscriminate Nature: These weapons lack precision targeting, making them indiscriminate and increasing the risk of harm to civilians.

Convention on Cluster Munitions:

Adopted in 2008, enforced in 2010
It prohibits all use, production, transfer and stockpiling of cluster munitions.
It establishes a framework to support the victim assistance, clearance of contaminated sites, risk reduction education, and stockpile destruction.
It has been signed by more than 120 countries. The US, Russia and Ukraine haven’t signed on.
Secretary-General of the United Nations is the Depositary of the Convention.