Full Breakdown
Global Cluster Munition Casualties Reach One of Highest Levels in 2025 Amid Treaty Strain
9/9/2026, 1:07:35 PM
2025 Casualties and Geographic Spread
The Cluster Munition Coalition’s 2026 monitor recorded 1,063 people killed or injured by cluster munitions in 2025, the second-highest annual toll since the 2008 ban. Civilians accounted for 87 % of those casualties, including at least 34 children. Ukraine suffered the bulk of the toll—approximately 927 casualties—for the fourth consecutive year. New casualty reports emerged from nine countries: Afghanistan, Cambodia, Iraq, Laos, Lebanon, Myanmar, Russia, Syria and Ukraine. The report notes that the actual figure is likely higher because many incidents go unreported.
Background: Convention on Cluster Munitions and Recent Developments
The 2008 Convention on Cluster Munitions, in force since 2010, prohibits the use, production, transfer and stockpiling of cluster munitions and requires clearance of unexploded submunitions. It now has 112 states parties and 12 signatories. Lithuania withdrew in March 2025; Vanuatu acceded in September 2025, following South Sudan and Nigeria’s 2023 accession.
Evidence of new production was identified in China, India, Israel, Myanmar, North Korea, Poland, Romania, Russia and South Korea. The United States and Russia voted against a UN General Assembly resolution promoting the convention in December 2025, the first such opposition. In February 2025 the United States froze foreign assistance, disrupting clearance operations in Southeast Asia and leading to at least 117 deaths and injuries from unexploded remnants.
Data Summary
- Total 2025 casualties: 1,063 (deaths + injuries)
- Civilian share: 87 % (? 925)
- Children among casualties: 34
- Ukraine’s share: ? 927 casualties
- New-reporting countries (2025): Afghanistan, Cambodia, Iraq, Laos, Lebanon, Myanmar, Russia, Syria, Ukraine
- Funding for clearance in 2025: US $116 million
Official Statements & Responses
Patrick Thompson, crisis, conflict and arms researcher at Human Rights Watch, stated that “cluster munitions should not be used under any circumstances, and their use may amount to a war crime.”
On-the-Ground Reports: Hezbollah’s Use in Northern Israel
Human Rights Watch investigators documented two attacks on the Israeli town of Metula. On March 4, 2026, Hezbollah fired a cluster munition that struck a residential street, damaging cars, a house roof and water pipes, and prompting residents to shelter for 24 hours. A second attack on March 15, 2026 involved a similar munition near the town’s entrance; no civilian casualties were reported, but the area was cordoned off for clearance. Hezbollah claimed responsibility on social media but denied possessing cluster munitions when approached for comment.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The monitor cites unverified allegations of cluster-munition use by Israel, the United States, Pakistan and Houthi forces, but independent verification was not possible. A May 2026 report of cluster-munition use in northern Mali could not confirm the responsible party, highlighting attribution challenges in multi-actor conflict zones.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It’s critically important for countries to renew their commitment to the international treaty that seeks to rid the world of the scourge of cluster munitions,” — Verity Coyle, deputy crisis, conflict and arms director at Human Rights Watch
- “This year's findings show a convention that keeps delivering results to affected communities,” — Tamar Gabelnick, director of the Cluster Munition Coalition
What’s Next
The Convention on Cluster Munitions’ Third Review Conference will convene in Vientiane, Laos from September 14-18, 2026. Delegations are expected to discuss expanding treaty membership, closing funding gaps for clearance programs and providing assistance to affected communities. The outcome will shape the international community’s response to the rising civilian toll documented in 2025.
