[Discussion] Lithuania's Historic Withdrawal from Anti-Cluster Munition Treaty Sparks Global Concerns

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Withdrawal From Anti-Cluster Munition Treaty

On Thursday, Lithuania's parliament passed a landmark motion to end the nation's involvement in the Oslo Convention, a key international treaty that prohibits the use, storage, production, and transfer of cluster munitions in participating countries. While the legislation still needs the official signature of the President, the decision marks a shift in Lithuania's defense policy, prompting reactions from human rights groups and international bodies.

Cluster Munitions and Defense Implications

Cluster bombs are complex weapons, designed to be dropped from aircraft or launched by artillery, spreading mini-bombs over vast areas upon mid-air detonation. However, their contentious legacy arises mainly from their persistence; unexploded munitions continue to pose a risk, acting like landmines that can be unexpectedly triggered years following deployment.

The decision by Lithuania's parliament, largely seen as a security measure, coincides with changes in the geopolitical situation, most notably the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The Deputy Defence Minister, who spearheaded the legislation, argued that the defensive value of cluster munitions in deterring a large-scale attack is difficult to replace effectively, as demonstrated by the war in Ukraine. He further emphasized that using cluster bombs could lead to a reduction in the total volume of munitions required to achieve equivalent impact.

The minister also highlighted that adherence to the convention created hurdles in the training in Lithuania of NATO allies who employ cluster munitions.

International response and backlash

To date, 124 states have joined the convention, including 24 NATO members and 21 European Union members, with the United States being a notable exception. Lithuania and Norway are the only members of NATO situated on Russia's borders that are signatories to the treaty.

The Defence Minister justified the withdrawal by stating that maintaining a commitment to a treaty that a key geopolitical rival disregard is unwise. He explained that cluster bombs' effectiveness in combat could significantly compensate for any ammunition shortage.

However, the decision has faced considerable opposition globally. Handicap International deemed the move a "major setback" in the field of human rights and civilian protection. Furthermore, the Cluster Munition Coalition branded the decision as hasty, with potentially severe and lasting repercussions. Also, the International Committee of the Red Cross expressed concern over this alarming precedent. Lithuania's withdrawal is a historic event, marking the first time a signatory has pulled out of the convention.

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