Cluster munitions cause over 1,000 casualties worldwide in 2025

What drives the continued use of cluster munitions

A report released in early 2026 reveals that cluster munitions killed or wounded 1,063 people across the globe during 2025, marking one of the highest annual casualty totals ever recorded. The data, compiled by international monitoring groups, highlights the ongoing humanitarian impact of these weapons despite widespread international condemnation. Most incidents occurred in active conflict zones where cluster munitions were used recently or left unexploded from past wars.

Experts point to several factors behind the persistent use of cluster munitions, including their perceived military effectiveness in targeting dispersed forces and the lack of universal adherence to the Convention on Cluster Munitions. While over 110 countries have joined the treaty banning these weapons, key military powers remain outside the agreement. In 2025, newly documented strikes were reported in regions experiencing intensified fighting, where both state and non-state actors employed cluster munitions, often in populated areas. The high number of casualties reflects not only direct strikes but also the long-term danger posed by unexploded submunitions, which continue to threaten civilians years after conflicts end.

How are communities responding to the threat

Local demining teams and international NGOs have increased efforts to clear contaminated areas and educate residents about the risks of unexploded ordnance. In several affected countries, community-based risk education programs have helped reduce accidental encounters with submunitions. Survivors’ associations are also advocating for stronger victim assistance programs and greater accountability for those who use these weapons. Despite these efforts, funding for clearance operations remains inconsistent, and many remote regions lack access to timely medical care for the injured.

Advocacy groups are urging governments that have not yet joined the ban treaty to reconsider their stance, emphasizing the disproportionate harm cluster munitions cause to civilians. They argue that the 2025 casualty figures underscore the urgent need for universal adherence to the convention and stricter enforcement of existing norms. While some progress has been made in stigmatizing the use of these weapons, the persistence of high casualty numbers suggests that stronger political will and coordinated action are still needed to prevent further harm.

Will international pressure lead

What are cluster munitions and why are they controversial? Cluster munitions are explosive weapons that release dozens or hundreds of smaller submunitions over a wide area. They are controversial because they often fail to detonate on impact, leaving dangerous unexploded ordnance that can kill or injure civilians long after a conflict ends.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which countries reported the highest number of cluster munition casualties in 2025? The report does not specify individual country totals, but notes that casualties occurred in multiple conflict zones where cluster munitions were used, particularly in areas with ongoing hostilities and extensive contamination from past conflicts.

How many countries have banned cluster munitions under international treaty? As of 2025, more than 110 countries are states parties to the Convention on Cluster Munitions, which prohibits the use, production, transfer, and stockpiling of these weapons.