World Cluster Munition Ban Tested at Laos Conference Amid Rising Civilian Harm

From Sept 14 to 18, Vientiane will host the Third Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions, a focal point for assessing the global ban as civilian casualties climb. The Cluster Munition Monitor 2026 documented at least 1,063 fatalities or injuries in the previous year, with civilians comprising 87% of the toll. Dr. Rohan Gunaratna emphasized that the norm against these indiscriminate weapons must remain firm and be backed by renewed funding.

Meanwhile, the Clearing Cluster Munition Remnants 2026 report indicated that states parties eliminated 64,898 remnants in 2025, and Laos cleared 55,808, highlighting the scale of the de-mining challenge. Experts warned that unexploded submunitions continue to endanger rural communities, especially children, and called for the adoption of the Vientiane Capital Action Plan 2027-2031 with clear benchmarks. The discussions aim to reinforce condemnation of any ongoing production, transfer, or use of cluster munitions, which breach international humanitarian law.