The 12th Meeting of States Parties (12MSP) to the Convention on Cluster Munitions will be held from 10-13 September 2024 in Geneva, Switzerland. This significant gathering is an important opportunity for States Parties to recommit to the Convention on Cluster Munitions and to showcase its impact on the ground.

During this event, States Parties will report on the recent progress in implementation of the convention and discuss remaining challenges. Signatory states and those still remaining outside are expected to provide updates on efforts to ratify and join the convention. The meeting will also discuss pressing issues facing the convention, including the ongoing use and transfers of cluster munitions, as well as Lithuania’s recent decision of withdrawal from the convention, and its implications.

The Cluster Munition Coalition (CMC) will actively participate and engage in these discussions, urging states to enhance efforts towards full implementation and universalization of the convention, and to protect and reinforce global respect for its norms.

The CMC calls on all states to:

• Condemn any use and transfers of cluster munitions, by anyone, under any circumstances, and demand an immediate halt to all use and transfers of this weapon.
• Express deep concern over Lithuania’s withdrawal decision and discuss ways to address its implications.
• Encourage signatories and countries remaining outside the convention to take immediate steps to ratify or accede to the convention without delay.

Furthermore, the CMC will hold two distinct side events during this meeting. The first is a briefing where members of the Cluster Munition Monitor editorial team will present recent developments in cluster munition ban policy, use, production, trade, and stockpiling; and in assessing and addressing the impact of cluster munition remnants contamination and casualties through clearance, risk education, and victim assistance. This event will be on Tuesday, 10 September 2024, from 13:00 to 14:30 in Room XIX, Palais des Nations.

On Thursday at 10 AM, the CMC will hold a panel discussion entitled "Cluster Munitions: Decades of failure, decades of civilian casualties." The panel will revisit the unacceptable humanitarian consequences and technical failures of cluster munitions that led to their prohibition in 2008. This side event will take place on Thursday 12 September from 10:00 to 12:00 on the side of the 12th MSP of the Convention on Cluster Munitions, Plenary Room XIX.

Information related to organization and work of the 12MSP, including relevant documents can be found at the UN ODA ISU website here: https://meetings.unoda.org

Follow the CMC’s social media channels and website for updates and announcements.

CMC statements from the 12MSP will be available on this page once delivered.