Cluster Munitions

The humanitarian harm caused by cluster munitions is unacceptable and prompted states and civil society like PAX to set new international norms against these weapons. The 2008 Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM) categorically bans cluster munitions and is signed by over 120 states. PAX calls upon states to join and implement the CCM. We furthermore call on all parties to conflict to refrain from the use cluster munitions for the harm they cause to civilians.

What is cluster munition?

A cluster munition, also known as a cluster bomb, is a weapon containing multiple explosive submunitions. Cluster munitions are dropped from aircraft or fired from the ground, opening up in mid-air to release tens or hundreds of submunitions, which then saturates an area up to the size of several football fields. Anybody within the strike area of the cluster munition, be they military or civilian, is likely to be killed or injured. Moreover, many of the submunitions do not explode as intended, which leaves them to function as landmines. They remain a threat to anyone in the area long after a conflict ends. Most victims of cluster munitions are civilians.

Ban Cluster Bombs

Wat did we achieve?

2003

Founding of CMC

In 2003 we co-founded the Cluster Munition Coalition, an international coalition of non-governmental organisations to prevent the humanitarian harm caused by  cluster munitions. The CMC was the main civil society movement working towards a treaty banning cluster munitions.

December 2008

Signing of the Convention on Cluster Munitions in Oslo

94 countries signed the Convention on Cluster Munitions in Oslo, including the Netherlands.

Februari 2011

The Netherlands ratifies the Convention

The Netherlands ratified the Convention in February 2011 and has since destroyed all of its cluster munitions stockpiles. 

2013

Ending investments

In 2013, the Netherlands banned Dutch financial institutions from making direct investments in companies producing cluster munitions.

2024

Today

The coalition now has more than 350 members in over 100 countries. To date, more than 120 countries have signed this life-saving treaty.

What do we want?

PAX calls upon all states to join and implement the CCM. We furthermore call on all parties to conflict to refrain from the use cluster munitions for the harm they cause to civilians.

Stop Explosive Investments

From 2009 until 2028 PAX has spearheaded a worldwide campaign to ban investments in cluster munitions producers. You can find more about the Stop Explosive Investments campaign here: www.stopexplosiveinvestments.org.