HRW accuses Russia, Georgia of using cluster bombs during war

New York, Nov 6 (PTI) A leading international human
rights group has accused both Russia and Georgia of using
cluster bombs extensively during their conflict in August, a
charge both countries deny.

Russia had earlier been criticised for using the
deadly munitions but recently Georgia has come under close
scrutiny for firing such weapons.

Georgian cluster munitions fired in the conflict with
Russia caused more damage and hit more locations than
previously commonly reported, Human Rights Watch said in a
report presented to Convention on Conventional Weapons in
Geneva.

The remnants from the weapons, fired by both Russia
and Georgia, continue to threaten people and their
livelihoods. At least 17 civilians were killed and dozens
wounded by cluster munitions used by both sides, the Human
Rights Watch says.

During a 10-day investigative mission in late October,
the group says it documented the use of Russian cluster
munitions in six towns and villages and Georgian cluster
munitions in nine, though most of the casualties investigated
appeared to be caused by the Russian weapons.

Cluster munitions failed on both sides, leaving duds
that operate like land mines and cause casualties even after
the fighting stops.

"The decisions by Russia and Georgia to use cluster
munitions so soon after most of the world's countries agreed
to ban them is appalling," said Steve Goose, Arms director at
Human Rights Watch.

"Cluster munitions spray lethal bomblets over large
areas, and keep killing by leaving behind thousands of duds
ready to explode when someone comes near."

Russia has continued to deny using cluster munitions
in Georgia, but Human Rights Watch said it found the evidence
to be overwhelming and believes that Russia's use of cluster
munitions in populated areas was indiscriminate, and therefore
in violation of international humanitarian law.

H.R.W. found Georgian clusters in populated areas, but
it was not clear whether Georgia targeted such areas or
whether they fell short.

In May 2008, 107 nations negotiated and formally
adopted a new Convention on Cluster Munitions that
comprehensively prohibits the use, production, stockpiling and
trade of cluster munitions. Neither Russia nor Georgia
participated in the negotiation process. The treaty opens for
signature in Oslo on December 3, 2008.

"The use of cluster munitions by both sides shows once
again why most of the world's nations are banning them," said
Goose. "Russia and Georgia should recognise the unacceptable
consequences to civilians and join the new cluster munitions
treaty."

The group also found that many of the sub-munitions
failed to explode on impact as designed, but remained on or
slightly buried in the ground – so called "duds" that still
pose danger to civilians. People engaged in the clearance
effort told it that there may be thousands of duds.

Human Rights Watch presented its major findings on
November 4 to delegates attending meetings of the Convention
where diplomats are discussing the cluster munition issue.

Several countries that have not participated in the
Oslo Process to ban cluster munitions – most notably the
United States, Russia, China, India, Pakistan and Israel – are
half-heartedly pursuing a weak agreement through the
convention that would legitimise continued use of the weapon,
it said.