Introduction and Overview of the Convention on Cluster Munitions

  • Established in 2008, the Convention on Cluster Munitions prohibits the use, production, transfer, and stockpiling of cluster munitions.
  • Cluster munitions are explosives that disperse smaller bomblets over a large area, posing significant risks to civilians and creating lasting humanitarian issues.
  • The convention presently boasts 112 state parties and 12 signatories.

 

Withdrawal and Reasons behind it

  • Recently, Lithuania, yet another NATO member, has stepped back from the Convention.
  • On the other side, countries like India, the US, Russia, China, Ukraine, and Israel have refrained from signing the treaty.
  • Primary reasons behind their abstention relate to military and strategic considerations.