What is a cluster munition? What are the possible hazards of cluster bombs?

Cluster munition is a kind of ammunition, which increases its lethality by packaging many small bullets or explosives in a shell and releasing many bullets or explosives at the same time. This design makes cluster munitions widely used in the battlefield and can be used against enemy personnel, vehicles and facilities.

However, cluster bombs have also brought some harm. First of all, because cluster munitions release multiple bullets or explosives, their explosion range is wider, which may cause extensive damage and destruction. This is especially dangerous for civilians and non-military targets, who may be involved in conflicts innocently.

Secondly, cluster munitions usually leave unexploded fragments, which are called unexploded munitions. These unexploded ordnance may continue to exist after the war, posing a threat to local residents and the environment. Unexploded ordnance may be accidentally triggered, causing accidental explosion and injury, and even innocent people die.

In order to reduce the harm of cluster munitions, the international community has taken some actions. In 2008, the United Nations adopted the Treaty on the Prohibition of Cluster Munitions, which aims at prohibiting the use, production, storage and transmission of cluster munitions, and requires the clearance of unexploded ordnance and assistance to victims. This is an important measure to reduce the harm of cluster munitions to civilians and the environment.

Generally speaking, cluster munitions have powerful lethality, but they also bring serious harm. In order to protect civilians and reduce environmental damage, the international community needs to continue its efforts, strengthen restrictions and prohibitions on cluster munitions, and commit itself to clearing unexploded ordnance to ensure sustainable and safe post-war reconstruction.