The Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM) is a landmark international treaty that prohibits the use, transfer, production, and stockpiling of cluster munitions, explosive weapons that scatter submunitions ("bomblets") over a wide area. It also establishes measures for victim assistance, contaminated site clearance, risk reduction, and stockpile destruction.
Adoption and Entry into Force
- Adopted: 30 May 2008 in Dublin
- Opened for signature: 3 December 2008 in Oslo
- Entered into force: 1 August 2010, after 30 ratifications
As of December 2023:
- 112 countries have ratified the convention
- 12 countries have signed but not yet ratified
- 1 country (Lithuania) has withdrawn
Core Prohibitions
State parties agree never under any circumstances to:
- Use cluster munitions
- Develop, produce, otherwise acquire
- Stockpile or retain
- Transfer to anyone
- Assist, encourage or induce anyone to engage in prohibited activities
Permitted Exceptions
The treaty exempts certain types of munitions with submunitions if they:
- Contain fewer than 10 submunitions
- Each submunition weighs over 4 kg
- Each submunition is self-guided, and has self-destruct and deactivation mechanisms
- Submunitions weighing at least 20 kg each are also excluded
A limited number of prohibited submunitions can be retained for training and research on clearance and counter-measures.
Humanitarian Concerns
The treaty emerged from growing awareness of civilian harm, much like the 1997 Ottawa Treaty on landmines. Key issues include:
- High failure rates of bomblets leading to long-term hazards
- Attraction to children due to colorful appearances
- Post-conflict casualties, with 1 in 4 victims being children
The 2006 Lebanon War, where up to 40% of Israeli cluster bomblets failed to detonate, significantly accelerated support for a ban.
Oslo Process
An independent diplomatic process led by Norway:
- February 2007: 46 nations signed the Oslo Declaration
- 2007–2008: Meetings held in Lima, Vienna, and Wellington
- May 2008: Final treaty text agreed upon by 107 nations in Dublin
- December 2008: Signing ceremony held in Oslo
Support and Opposition
Supporters
- 107 nations adopted the final treaty
- Includes major cluster munitions-affected countries like Laos and Lebanon
- The UK, after initial resistance, pledged to withdraw all cluster munitions
Opposing/Non-Signatory Nations
Major producers/users not party to the treaty include:
- United States
- Russia
- China
- India
- Israel
- Pakistan
- Brazil
The US argues for use of "smart" munitions with reduced failure rates and maintains they are legal and militarily effective
NATO and Military Cooperation Clause
The treaty includes a "military cooperation" clause: - Allows signatories to participate in joint operations with non-signatories (e.g., the US) - Protects personnel from legal liability during allied operations involving cluster munitions
Entry into Force
- Became legally binding on 1 August 2010, following 30 ratifications
- UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon hailed it as a symbol of international cooperation
- First meeting of states parties held in Laos, November 2010
Withdrawal: Lithuania (2024–2025)
- 18 July 2024: Lithuanian parliament votes to withdraw
- Justification: Security threat posed by Russia’s use of cluster munitions
- 6 September 2024: Official instrument of withdrawal deposited
- 6 March 2025: Withdrawal took effect
Current Status (as of September 2024)
- 112 States Parties
- 12 Signatories not yet ratified
- 1 Withdrawal (Lithuania)
Non-Signatory Producers of Cluster Munitions (2022)
- Brazil
- China
- Egypt
- Greece
- India
- Iran
- Israel
- North Korea
- Pakistan
- Poland
- Romania
- Russia
- Singapore
- South Korea
- Turkey
- United States
Related Treaties and Campaigns
- Ottawa Treaty (Mine Ban Treaty)(https://www.apminebanconvention.org/)
- Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW)
- Cluster Munition Coalition (CMC)(http://www.stopclustermunitions.org)
- International Committee of the Red Cross(https://www.icrc.org)
External Resources
- Official Convention Website(http://www.clusterconvention.org)
- Full Text of the Treaty (UN)(https://www.un.org/disarmament/convention-on-cluster-munitions/)
- Cluster Munition Monitor Reports(http://www.the-monitor.org/en-gb/home.aspx)