KYIV, Ukraine – The United States Department of Defense announced on June 7, 2023 that President Joe Biden had approved the transfer of cluster munitions to Ukraine due to national security interests. The move sparked concern from at least 11 countries, including Germany, Canada, and the United Kingdom, as well as the United Nations Secretary-General. Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov presented five principles that the armed forces would adhere to upon receiving the cluster munitions in response to the US announcement.
These cluster munitions have caused numerous deaths and serious injuries to Ukrainian civilians, as well as being extensively used by Russian forces, resulting in significant harm to civilians. Human Rights Watch spoke out against the transfer of cluster munitions from the US to Ukraine, citing the severe and lasting harm to civilians caused by these weapons. Despite their ban under the Convention on Cluster Munitions by the international community, the use of these munitions continues in violation of international humanitarian law.
Additionally, Human Rights Watch provided evidence of Ukrainian cluster munition rocket attacks on Russian-controlled areas around the city of Izium during 2022, leading to multiple civilian casualties. The organization urged an immediate end to the use of these weapons and emphasized the foreseeable danger they pose to civilians. Furthermore, the US is said to be considering the transfer of stockpiled cluster munitions to Ukraine, an action that Human Rights Watch strongly opposes. The potential transfer of these weapons, which have a high failure rate and are over 20 years old, would undoubtedly cause long-term suffering for civilians, according to the organization.
Human Rights Watch also documented the devastating impact of cluster munitions in various regions of Ukraine, including tragic incidents of civilian casualties and injuries. Ukrainian forces have also used cluster munition rockets in the past, further contributing to the widespread harm caused by these weapons. It is clear that the use of cluster munitions in populated areas is indiscriminate and in violation of international humanitarian law.
Based on their findings, Human Rights Watch strongly advocated against the transfer of these destructive weapons to Ukraine and emphasized the enduring threat they pose to civilians. Additionally, the organization emphasized the importance of adhering to the Geneva Conventions of 1949, which obligate all parties in armed conflict to investigate and prosecute alleged war crimes by their forces.
It is essential to recognize the severe and lasting harm inflicted on civilians by cluster munitions and to refrain from transferring, acquiring, or using these banned weapons. Such actions not only undermine the global effort to eliminate these weapons but also violate international humanitarian law, potentially constituting war crimes.
In light of the evidence and the intensity of civilian harm, transferring cluster munitions to Ukraine poses a significant risk to civilians and should be avoided at all costs. Conversely, the focus should be on preventing the indiscriminate use of these weapons and upholding international humanitarian law to protect civilians in conflict zones. It is crucial for the international community to work towards a complete ban on cluster munitions and prevent any actions that could result in further suffering for civilians.