Activists Push for Strengthening Cluster Munitions Ban Despite US Support to Ukraine

Activists are concerned about the erosion of support for the Convention on Cluster Munitions after the US decision to send cluster munitions to Ukraine for its fight against Russia. The annual report by the Cluster Munitions Coalition highlights the harm caused to civilians by these weapons, with civilians accounting for 95% of cluster munition casualties recorded last year. The report also notes efforts by countries like Bulgaria, Peru, and Slovakia to destroy their stockpiles of cluster munitions. While the US argues that the transfer could help Ukraine in its offensive, human rights groups criticize the decision and hope that signatories to the convention will not weaken their position.