Cluster munitions

: Cluster bomb canisters © Handicap International

Cluster munitions are made up of a single canister containing between a dozen and a few hundred bomblets the size of a drink can.

Cluster bombs’ impact cannot be contained to specific targets. They spread their contents over a perimeter ranging from the equivalent of several football pitches to several hundred hectares, indiscriminately killing or maiming civilians.

: Scrap metal collection at a Central Demolition site, Afghanistan © Zak Johnson / Handicap International

Accidents occur when people attempt to move unexploded munitions due to economic necessity, curiosity or social responsibility. Civilians have to clear land for farming or to prevent children from playing with them. For example shepherds, farmers and children collecting firewood are common victims in Afghanistan. In poor communities it is also common for civilians to salvage military debris for their saleable scrap metal.

Key facts on cluster bombs

98% of recorded casualties are civilians.
27% of casualties are children.
67% casualties are killed or injured in course of earning their livelihood.
24 countries and regions are affected by cluster munitions worldwide.
5% to 30% of cluster bombs fail to explode on impact.
34 countries produce at least 210 different types of cluster bombs and 73 countries stockpile cluster bombs.
The UK currently stockpiles and exports cluster bombs and used them during the war in Iraq.

Handicap International believes cluster bombs have an unacceptable effect on civilians during and after conflicts. Please sign the petition today.

General information on cluster munitions

Circle of Impact: The Fatal Footprint of Cluster Munitions on People and Communities

The vast majority of cluster bomb casualties occur while victims are carrying out their daily livelihood activities, according to Circle of Impact: The Fatal Footprint of Cluster Munitions on People and Communities. This groundbreaking report being launched today by Handicap International documents the lasting economic and social harm these weapons bring upon communities, adversely impacting families for decades to come.

Download the full report (8751 Ko, PDF)
Download the executive summary (245 Ko, PDF)
Download the press release (115 Ko, PDF)

Fatal Footprint: The Global Human Impact of Cluster Munitions

This groundbreaking preliminary report by Handicap International is the first to document the impact of cluster munitions on the lives of people in all 24 countries and regions which are known to be affected by these weapons.

Download the full report (631 Ko, PDF)
Download the key facts (110 Ko, DOC)

Ban Mines Newsletter N.19 - January 2007

Download the newsletter (135 Ko, PDF)