Lavrov tells Saudi FM that Russia is 'ready to mediate' in Middle East

In 2025, a staggering 87% of casualties linked to cluster munitions were civilians, according to a report released by the Cluster Munition Coalition (CMM). The organization documented at least 1,063 people killed or injured by these weapons, making it one of the most lethal years on record. Cluster munitions are ground-launched or air-dropped munitions that disperse hundreds of smaller bomblets to detonate upon impact. However, many fail to fully explode, creating lingering hazards akin to landmines.

The CMM analysis identified nine countries where civilians bore the overwhelming human cost: Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Russia, and Ukraine. Ukraine recorded 927 casualties, the highest single-country total globally for the fourth consecutive year. The ongoing conflicts in these nations, particularly in Ukraine's fifth year of war, have exacerbated the use of these indiscriminate weapons.

The third review conference on the 2008 Convention on Cluster Munitions is scheduled to take place in Laos next week. While the convention has delivered tangible humanitarian benefits, it faces mounting pressure from continued use and production, the first-ever withdrawal of a state party, and significant reductions in funding for clearance and survivor support.

Iran, Thailand, Israel, Pakistan, and possibly the US, as well as Houthi forces in Yemen, have all been accused of using cluster munitions against other states. However, some of these allegations remain unconfirmed.

Policy researcher Nicolo Scarpat noted allegations of Israeli use of cluster munitions against Lebanon and Palestine since 2023, and of Israeli and/or US use against Iran in 2026. Evidence also suggests North Korea transferred cluster munitions to Russia. The report highlights that while the convention has continued to achieve results for affected communities, the rising human toll, new use, production, and transfers by states not party to the convention serve as stark warnings that these gains are not guaranteed.

The current humanitarian needs are growing, but funding cuts are eroding the support vital for survivors.