CMC Deplores Lithuania's Withdrawal from the Convention on Cluster Munitions

The Cluster Munition Coalition (CMC) is extremely disappointed and saddened to report that on 26 July, Lithuania sent a note verbale of its decision to withdraw from the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM) to the United Nations Office in Geneva (UNOG) and the CCM Implementation Support Unit. This decision to withdraw, which will take place six months after Lithuania has formally notified CCM States Parties, the UN Treaty Depository, and the UN Security Council, comes despite significant humanitarian, legal, and political costs. The CMC strongly condemns Lithuania’s decision and urges the government of Lithuania to reconsider before the withdrawal becomes final.

The Lithuanian President signed the “Law on Denounce of the Convention on Cluster Munitions” on 25 July 2024, following the Parliament's vote in favor of the withdrawal on 18 July. The law was fast-tracked through parliament upon the initiative of the Minister of Defense.

"Certain weapons are too horrific to be used under any circumstances. Cluster munitions were banned in 2008 because they cause unacceptable harm to civilians, and data since then proves that the overwhelming majority of casualties are indeed civilians, especially children," said Tamar Gabelnick, Director of the Cluster Munition Coalition. "Given the indiscriminate nature of these weapons at the time of use and for decades afterwards, this tragic decision puts at risk Lithuania’s own citizens for generations to come."

Lithuania is the first country to leave a humanitarian disarmament convention, and its decision tarnishes its image as a responsible member of the international community. It also puts it at odds with many of its closest allies, as 124 states have joined the convention, including 24 NATO member states and 21 European Union member states. Several countries and organizations have spoken out publicly and privately against the decision, including Austria, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Human Rights Watch, Humanity and Inclusion, Lex International, Mines Advisory Group, Norwegian People’s Aid, and - in an unusual public statement - the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Lithuania’s decision is a highly regrettable step backwards for the convention, and the precedent it sets may have damaging consequences beyond the CCM.

“In a short-sighted and self-centered move, Lithuania has decided that its current national security situation justifies doing long-term harm to international humanitarian law. Yet in order for international humanitarian law to effectively protect civilians from armed conflict, such laws must be upheld at all times—especially during periods of heightened insecurity or armed conflict” said Ms. Gabelnick.

The Cluster Munition Coalition strongly urges all countries that have banned cluster munitions to denounce Lithuania's decision and call for its return to the convention.