World: Cluster bombs killed record numbers of civilians in 2025

In brief Cluster munitions were officially banned in 2008, but leave a deadly legacy. In 2025, they killed more than 1,000 civilians, while global response falters. 8 September 2026: At least 1,063 people were killed or injured by cluster munitions in 2025, one of the highest annual totals ever recorded by the Cluster Munition Monitor report. Civilians accounted for a staggering 87% of recorded casualties, including 34 children, with new victims recorded across Afghanistan, Cambodia, Iraq, Laos, Syria and Ukraine and Myanmar. Between 10 - 40% of cluster submunitions, or’ ‘bomblets’, fail to explode on impact and can remain waiting in the ground for decades before an unsuspecting child, farmer or other civilian accidentally steps upon them or a vehicle triggers the sensitive mechanical fuse. Although a record 15% more contaminated land was released in 2025 than during the previous year, sweeping global funding cuts threaten vital bomb disposal efforts in Afghanistan, Mauritania, and Somalia, resulting in spiralling casualty figures and missed cluster-free status deadlines. “This report is a global wake-up call. Clearance levels have improved significantly but the sharp rise in deaths and life-changing injuries caused by these indiscriminate weapons is deplorable,” warns James Denselow, Head of Policy at HALO. In Ukraine alone, where HALO has cleared 33,000 explosives since 2022 and employs around 1,500 Ukrainian staff, the highest annual number of cluster munition casualties were recorded for the fourth-year running. At least 927 people were killed across the war-torn country, making up 87% of the global total, with new cluster munition contamination suspected during 2025 and the first half of 2026. “We simply cannot allow progress to stall as funding plummets. Clearance figures are better than ever but we're up against a huge global financial challenge. The international community must prioritise the cash and manpower needed to tackle the job or risk an even bleaker casualty picture emerging in the coming years,” adds Denselow. <ENDS> Notes to Editors: About the Cluster Munition Monitor report 2026: • Cluster Munition Monitor 2026 tracks progress toward a world free of cluster munitions and reports on ban policy, use, production, transfers, stockpiles, casualties, contamination, clearance, risk education, victim assistance and funding. • 1,063 people were killed or injured by cluster munitions in 2025. • 87% of recorded casualties were civilians. • At least 34 child casualties were recorded in 2025. • Ukraine recorded at least 927 casualties — 87% of the global total. • 114 km2 of hazardous land was released in 2025 — 15% more than in 2024. • 64,898 cluster munition remnants were destroyed during land release operations in 2025. • Funding gaps threaten clearance efforts in Afghanistan, Mauritania, and Somalia. • Around US$116 million was provided in 2025 to address cluster munition contamination. About The HALO Trust: • The HALO Trust was founded in 1988 in Afghanistan and is the world’s largest humanitarian landmine clearance organisation. • HALO works in 30+ countries including Ukraine, Afghanistan, Yemen, Syria, Colombia, Angola and Sri Lanka. We employ 9,000 staff worldwide and recruit 95% of them locally. • We deploy groundbreaking technology in conflict and post-conflict settings to help people rebuild their homes, restore their livelihoods, and keep their children safe. • HALO also runs programmes in weapons and ammunition management and safety training. During emergencies, we also provide humanitarian aid and logistical support. • Learn more about HALO's work.