(source)
Here’s a version that looks like it’s a bit more up-to-date:
(source, purple = ratifications, blue = signatories)
The convention,
banning the manufacture, use and stockpiling of cluster munitions, … came into force last year [2010], [and] has been signed by 108 countries and ratified by 60 of them [as of today, November 2011]. But 17 of the non-signatories continue to produce the weapons (see map below), and two have used them in conflict this year: Thailand during border clashes with Cambodia in February, and Libya under Muammar Qaddafi during the battle of Misrata in April. (source)
Cluster munition is a particularly horrible type of bomb that spreads large numbers of small bomblets over a wide area. Because of the aimlessness of the device, it poses high risks to civilians both during attacks and afterwards since many bomblets remain unexploded after they land. They kill or maim civilians long after a conflict has ended. Unexploded submunitions are costly to locate and remove. The UN estimates that 98% of victims of cluster munitions are civilians. More here.
More on the law of war, and more human rights maps.
- Cluster Bomb Ban Takes Effect Minus Support of Major Producers (waronterrornews.typepad.com)
- Cluster Bomb Ban Goes International Without U.S. (firedoglake.com)
- UN chief hails treaty banning cluster bombs (independent.co.uk)
