10 Aug, 2023 Stop the fence-sitting in cluster bomb use

Question 1

What are cluster bombs?

Answer 1

Cluster bombs are weapons that release smaller bomblets over a wide area. These bomblets can cause widespread death and injury to civilians, including women and children.

Question 2

Why are cluster bombs controversial?

Answer 2

Cluster bombs are controversial because they are indiscriminate weapons that can cause harm to civilians even when used in a military setting. They are also difficult to clear from the ground, which can pose a threat to civilians long after the conflict has ended.

Question 3

What has sparked controversy in recent times regarding cluster bombs?

Answer 3

The decision of the United States to provide cluster munitions to Ukraine has sparked controversy.

Question 4

How has Russia been reported to use cluster bombs?

Answer 4

According to Human Rights Watch, Russia has used cluster bombs in cities like Kharkiv, resulting in civilian casualties and damage to homes, hospitals, and schools.

Question 5

What are cluster bombs, and how do they work?

Answer 5

Cluster bombs release multiple explosive submunitions or bomblets, which can cause harm to people in the area. These bomblets can remain dangerous for a long time.

Question 6

What is the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM)?

Answer 6

The Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM) is an international treaty created in 2008 that aims to curb the production, use, transfer, and stockpiling of cluster bombs. It also requires countries to eliminate their stockpiles and provide assistance to victims.

Question 7

Which countries are not members of the CCM?

Answer 7

The following countries are not members of the CCM: China, India, Israel, Pakistan, Russia, and the United States.

Question 8

What are the legal obligations of countries that are party to the CCM?

Answer 8

Countries that are party to the CCM are legally obligated to:
* Not use, produce, transfer, or stockpile cluster bombs.
* Destroy their existing stockpiles of cluster bombs.
* Provide assistance to victims of cluster bombs.

Question 9

What are the arguments in favor of using cluster bombs?

Answer 9

Some people argue that cluster bombs can be a useful weapon in military conflicts. They argue that cluster bombs can be used to target enemy forces in a precise manner, and that they can also be used to clear minefields.

Question 10

What is the principle of proportionality in international law?

Answer 10

The principle of proportionality, as enshrined in Article 51(5) of the Additional Protocol I to the 1949 Geneva Conventions, prohibits excessive use of force that results in unintended harm to civilians when weighed against anticipated military advantages.

Question 11

How does the use of cluster bombs violate international law?

Answer 11

Cluster bombs fail to differentiate between combatants and civilians or military and civilian sites, making them indiscriminate and causing disproportionate harm, thus violating international law.

Question 12

How does the supply of cluster bombs to Ukraine raise concerns?

Answer 12

Supplying cluster bombs to Ukraine, even if the supplier isn’t a party to the Cluster Munition Convention, is considered irresponsible and can have negative consequences.

Question 13

What is the proposed way forward to address cluster bomb use?

Answer 13

The way forward includes universally prohibiting possession, transfer, or supply of cluster bombs and achieving the elimination of cluster bombs worldwide by having all UN member countries join the Cluster Munition Convention.

Question 14

How do cluster bombs violate armed conflict norms?

Answer 14

Cluster bombs violate norms that require a clear distinction between combatants and civilians, and between military and civilian targets, thus making them indiscriminate in their impact.

Question 15

What is the significance of the Cluster Munition Convention for Russia and Ukraine?

Answer 15

Regardless of their treaty membership, the deployment of cluster bombs by Russia and Ukraine goes against established international legal norms.

Question 16

What are the arguments against using cluster bombs?

Answer 16

The main argument against using cluster bombs is that they are indiscriminate weapons that can cause harm to civilians even when used in a military setting. They are also difficult to clear from the ground, which can pose a threat to civilians long after the conflict has ended.

Question 17

What is the way forward to stop the use of cluster bombs?

Answer 17

The way forward to stop the use of cluster bombs is to get all countries to join the CCM and eliminate these weapons from the world. This will require a concerted effort from governments, civil society organizations, and individuals around the world.

Question 18

What can I do to help stop the use of cluster bombs?

Answer 18

There are a number of things you can do to help stop the use of cluster bombs:
* Learn about the issue and educate others about the dangers of cluster bombs.
* Support organizations that are working to ban cluster bombs.
* Contact your elected representatives and urge them to support the CCM.

Question 19

What is the impact of cluster bombs on civilians?

Answer 19

Cluster bombs have a devastating impact on civilians. They can cause death, injury, and disability, and they can also lead to long-term psychological trauma. The use of cluster bombs can also displace people from their homes and communities, and it can make it difficult for them to rebuild their lives.