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HRW: Cluster Munitions Killed 1,063 in 2025

9/9/2026

23 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Human Rights Watch reported cluster munitions killed or injured at least 1,063 people in 2025.
Civilians accounted for 87 percent of casualties, including at least 34 children.
Ukraine suffered the highest toll with 927 casualties, the fourth consecutive year.
A U.S. aid freeze hampered clearance despite $116 million funded in 2025.
Lithuania became the first state party to withdraw from the treaty, finalizing its exit in March 2025.

History

Historical Context

The Oslo Process launched in February 2007 led to the Convention on Cluster Munitions, signed in December 2008 and effective 1 August 2010, banning production, transfer and use. After UN reports of more than 13,000 civilian deaths (1999-2008) and 1,063 casualties in 2025—927 in Ukraine—Lithuania exited the treaty in March 2025 and the United States froze $116 million in aid, threatening the norm.

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Story summary

Human Rights Watch reported cluster munitions killed or injured at least 1,063 people in 2025.
Civilians accounted for 87 percent of casualties, including at least 34 children.
Ukraine suffered the highest toll with 927 casualties, the fourth consecutive year.
A U.S. aid freeze hampered clearance despite $116 million funded in 2025.
Lithuania became the first state party to withdraw from the treaty, finalizing its exit in March 2025.

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