UN calls for inquiry into reports on use of cluster munitions in Ukraine

On 15 November 2014, the OHCHR published the report “Report on the human rights situations in Ukraine” in which it has demanded a thorough investigation into claims of the use of cluster munitions during the conflict in Ukraine’s eastern regions.

Paragraph 8. “The reports on the use of cluster munitions in the hostilities in both urban and rural areas are a matter of concern. Due to their wide radius and indiscriminate impact, their use in areas with a civilian presence would constitute a violation of international humanitarian law and may amount to a war crime. The Government has denied the use of cluster munitions. Reports on the use of cluster munitions, as well as those of indiscriminate shelling, need to be investigated promptly and thoroughly

Paragraph 26The reported use of cluster munitions in fighting between Ukrainian forces and the armed groups in more than 12 urban and rural locations in early October is of concern10. The use of cluster munitions in populated areas violates the laws of war due to the indiscriminate nature of the weapon and may amount to war crimes. It is imperative that such reports be investigated promptly and thoroughly, as well as the reports of indiscriminate shelling of residential areas by conventional weapons

The full report is available at: http://www.ohchr.org/Documents/Countries/UA/OHCHR_seventh_reportUkraine20.11.14.pdf