Lithuania Withdraws from Cluster Munitions Convention

GS II-International Agreement

Context:

Lithuania withdrew from the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM), citing security concerns, drawing global criticism.

About the CCM:

• Adopted: 2008 | Came into force: 2010
• Prohibits:
  • Use, transfer, production, and stockpiling of cluster bombs.
• Membership:
  • 112 state parties + 12 signatories.
  • Non-signatories: Russia, Ukraine, India.

About Cluster Bombs:

• Function: Releases multiple smaller bomblets over a wide area.
• Delivery Methods: Dropped from aircraft, fired from artillery, or missile-launched.
• Concerns: High failure rate, leaving unexploded ordnance (UXO), posing long-term risks to civilians.

Reasons for Lithuania’s Withdrawal:

1. Security Concerns:
   • Fears Russian aggression, especially after Ukraine’s invasion.
2. Strengthening Defenses:
   • Wants to maintain access to cluster munitions as a deterrence tool.
3. Regional Security Shifts:
   • Finland also reconsidering anti-personnel landmine use.

Criticism & Humanitarian Concerns:

Civilian Risk: Unexploded bomblets endanger civilians for decades.
Potential Trend: Could trigger other nations to withdraw from disarmament treaties.

Lithuania’s Future Disarmament Policies:

• Possible Exit from Landmine Ban: Considering withdrawal from 1997 Anti-Personnel Landmine Convention.
• Mitigation Plans: Plans to clear unexploded ordnance to minimize civilian harm.

Lithuania’s Strategic Position:

• Geopolitical Location: Baltic state in Northern Europe, gained independence from the USSR in 1990.
• NATO & EU Member: Increased defense spending post Russia’s 2014 Crimea annexation & 2022 Ukraine invasion.
• Military Policy Shift: Prioritizing deterrence over humanitarian disarmament amid rising threats.