Geneva, Ukraine has once again reported the world’s highest number of casualties from cluster munitions, according to the latest Cluster Munitions Monitor backed by the United Nations. Since Russia’s full scale invasion in February 2022, over 1,200 people have been confirmed killed or injured by these weapons though experts warn the true toll is likely much higher.

The report highlights that children accounted for 42% of casualties in 2024, often mistaking unexploded submunitions for toys. UN researchers emphasized that civilians continue to suffer the most from cluster munition remnants, which can spread thousands of explosive bomblets across wide areas.

Beyond Ukraine, the report documents alleged use of cluster munitions in Iran, Gaza, southern Lebanon, and Myanmar, where rebel held areas including schools have reportedly been targeted.

Funding cuts have also slowed clearance efforts in countries like Afghanistan, Iraq, and Laos, where decades-old contamination still poses deadly risks. The report warns that humanitarian programs once supported by international donors, including USAID, have been discontinued, leaving victims without essential medical and rehabilitation services.

Despite the global ban under the Convention on Cluster Munitions, 17 countries including Russia, China, India, and the United States still produce or reserve the right to produce these weapons, none of which are party to the treaty.