A wave of anger has swept through aid groups as the US greenlights the potential sale of cluster bombs to Ukraine. Cluster bombs, a type of weapon that disperses numerous smaller bombs or submunitions over a wide area, are notorious for causing indiscriminate harm to civilians, leading to their prohibition by many countries.
Although the sale of cluster bombs to Ukraine is not yet finalized, its approval has already ignited outrage among aid groups. Human Rights Watch strongly condemns the decision, viewing it as a significant setback to global efforts aimed at banning cluster munitions. They argue that such a sale poses a serious risk to civilians and could further prolong the ongoing conflict.
According to the independent research project, the Cluster Munition Monitor, over 40,000 cluster munition casualties have been reported since 1965, with civilians, including children, constituting the majority of victims.
One of the primary dangers of cluster bombs lies in the presence of unexploded submunitions that can remain on the ground long after they have been deployed. These unexploded submunitions may be mistaken for harmless objects or toys by civilians and can unexpectedly detonate, inflicting severe injuries or fatalities.
The fact that the US is one of the few countries yet to ban cluster bombs adds to the concern. While the Obama administration pledged to cease using cluster bombs in 2010, it has not taken any concrete steps to ban their production or sale.
The decision to approve the potential sale of cluster bombs to Ukraine represents a significant setback for international efforts to eradicate these deadly weapons. Moreover, it serves as a stark reminder of the US’s continued support for cluster bombs despite the evident risks they pose to civilian populations.