Ukraine Surpasses Syria as Country with Highest Cluster Munition Casualties in 2022
According to a new report released in 2022, Ukraine has surpassed Syria as the country with the highest casualties resulting from cluster munitions. The Cluster Munition Monitor, a coalition of advocacy groups campaigning against the use of the weapon, found that there were 916 cluster munition casualties recorded last year in Ukraine, 890 of which were civilians.
This is a significant increase from the previous year, when only 463 casualties were recorded in Ukraine, and it is the highest number of cluster munition casualties in any country since the Cluster Munition Monitor began tracking the data in 2009. Syria had the highest number of casualties in 2020, with 835 recorded casualties, but this number has now been surpassed by Ukraine.
The report also found that most of the casualties in Ukraine were caused by air-dropped cluster munitions, with over 70 percent of the casualties occurring from this type of weapon. This is a worrying trend, as air-dropped cluster munitions are particularly deadly and can cause a wide range of injuries and fatalities.
The report notes that while the use of cluster munitions is banned under international law, their use is still widespread in conflict zones. In Ukraine, the conflict between the Ukrainian government and the separatist forces has led to an increase in the use of the weapon, with both sides using them in the conflict.
The report also found that the number of cluster munition casualties in Ukraine is likely to increase in the coming years, as the conflict continues and more of the weapons are used. The report urges all parties involved in the conflict to abide by international law and refrain from using cluster munitions.
The report also highlights the need for more assistance to victims of cluster munitions in Ukraine, as the number of casualties is likely to increase in the future. It urges all countries and international organizations to provide assistance to victims of cluster munitions, including medical care, rehabilitation, and compensation.
The report also calls on all countries to take action to end the use of cluster munitions, as they are particularly deadly and can cause a wide range of injuries and fatalities. It urges governments to sign and ratify the Convention on Cluster Munitions, and to support efforts to ensure that the use of these weapons is prohibited in all circumstances.
Overall, the report paints a grim picture of the situation in Ukraine, and the number of casualties resulting from cluster munitions is likely to continue to increase in the coming years. It is essential that all parties involved in the conflict adhere to international law and refrain from using cluster munitions, and that assistance is provided to victims of cluster munitions in Ukraine.
