Since the antipersonnel mine-ban treaty went into force in 1999, the number of new victims each year has dropped, large tracts of land have been cleared, and the number of stockpiled mines has decreased by millions. The treaty has had a major impact on the global landmine problem. It has not, however, addressed another major problem: explosive remnants of war, which kill thousands of civilians annually.
"Explosive remnants of war" refer to abandoned explosive ordnance and unexploded ordnance, or UXO, such as cluster munitions that fail to detonate but remain volatile and dangerous, often threatening the safety of civilians. Many cluster submunitions fail to detonate on impact and become de facto antipersonnel mines killing and maiming people long after the conflict has ended. UN-supported mine-action programmes help countries eliminate the threat of landmines and explosive remnants of war. An international movement seeking to limit the use of cluster munitions has gained momentum in recent years. The Convention on Cluster Muntitions enters into force on 1 August 2010.
For information on where a particular country stands regarding the production, use and stockpiling of cluster munitions as well as the status of their ratification of the Convention on Cluster Munitions, please refer to the Landmine and Cluster Munition Monitor searchable country reports.
Reports and essays that describe the problem of cluster munitions and present ideas for limiting their use may be accessed through the following thematic links. Also below are links to organizations that are leading a movement to protect civilians from these weapons.
The Problem of Cluster Munitions Research and analysis on the use, production, stockpiling, and impact of cluster munitions, including technical information, legal considerations and proposed solutions The Road to the Cluster Bomb Ban Click here to learn about the history of the movement to ban cluster munitions. Includes information and documents regarding Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW) and the "Oslo Process." |
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Cluster munitions: What the UN is saying Read statements and press releases by the United Nations Secretary-General and other UN officials regarding cluster munitions Cluster Munitions in the News A selection of recent media coverage on cluster munitions Further Links NGO and conference websites that provide more information on cluster munitions |