Cluster munitions contamination

         


At least 21 States and four areas of Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Europe are affected by cluster munitions or have been in the last five decades. In some countries, cluster munitions were used extensively, such as in Laos where the weapons were dropped over a period of nine years (1964 to 1973), creating a widespread lethal hazard for the population (GICHD, February 2007). In other contexts, their use has been more limited but the impact has also been severe. In Kos ovo, for instance, the conflict lasted only 11 weeks, but it is estimated that between 230,000 and 290,000 submunitions were dropped (Landmine Action/ICRC) and that approximately 30,000 remained unexploded on the ground when the fighting ended (ICRC, 2001).  

•  Which States and areas are most affected by cluster munitions?  

•  What challenges arise in areas affected by cluster munitions?