Press Statement
1 August 2026
On the Occasion of the Entry into Force of the Convention on Cluster Munitions
Today marks the anniversary of the entry into force of the Convention on Cluster Munitions on 1 August 2010. The Convention prohibits the use, production, transfer, and stockpiling of cluster munitions, weapons that continue to cause unacceptable harm to civilians during and long after armed conflict. Like landmines, cluster munitions leave behind unexploded submunitions that remain dangerous for many years. These explosive remnants are often found in farmland, villages, roads, and other places where people live and work. Children are particularly at risk because they may mistake unexploded submunitions for harmless objects.
The Convention commits States Parties to destroy their stockpiled cluster munitions within eight years, clear contaminated areas within ten years, and provide assistance to victims, their families, and affected communities. The Convention now has 111 States Parties and 12 signatories, reflecting broad international support for ending the suffering caused by cluster munitions. In December 2024, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution promoting the Convention with the support of 121 countries, including 27 States that have not yet joined the treaty. Around the world, progress continues through the destruction of stockpiles, clearance of contaminated land, risk education, and support for survivors.
Despite these achievements, important challenges remain. Some countries continue to use, produce, transfer, and stockpile cluster munitions. According to the Cluster Munition Monitor 2025, 257 people were killed or injured in cluster munition attacks during 2024, while another 57 people were killed or injured by unexploded cluster munition remnants. Children accounted for 42 percent of casualties caused by these remnants, demonstrating the long-term humanitarian impact of these weapons. Support for survivors also remains inadequate in many affected countries. Limited resources, weak coordination, and insufficient access to medical care, rehabilitation, psychosocial support, and economic inclusion continue to affect survivors, their families, and their communities.
On this anniversary, Ban Landmines Campaign Nepal (NCBL) calls on all States that have not yet done so to join the Convention on Cluster Munitions without delay. We also urge all States to end the use, production, transfer, and stockpiling of cluster munitions, strengthen support for clearance and victim assistance, and fully respect international humanitarian law.
A world free from cluster munitions is possible. By working together, the international community can prevent future suffering and help ensure that people can live in safety, dignity, and peace.
Contact:
Ban Landmines Campaign Nepal (NCBL)
Dallu, Kathmandu, Nepal
Email: info.ncbl@gmail.com
Phone: 977 1 5375213
Website: naya.com.np/@ncbl
Facebook: facebook.com/theNCBL
Youtube: youtube.com/@theNCBL