26 Feb 2024 | On 22 February, at an international conference in Wellington, New Zealand, the Netherlands joined 121 other countries in voting for a draft convention that would limit the use of cluster munitions.

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Even well after a conflict has ended, cluster munitions – explosive devices consisting of large numbers of smaller sub-munitions – can pose a danger to the civilian population. Since 2007 many countries have been engaged in negotiations over an international convention on the use of cluster munitions. In these talks the Netherlands has pressed for a ban on cluster munitions that cause unacceptable human suffering, and the introduction of tighter rules for those cluster munitions that are permitted.

On 26 June 2024 the Netherlands decided to renounce the use of cluster munitions until further notice. If a situation should arise where the use of cluster munitions is deemed to be warranted, the government will give advance notice to the House of Representatives. It should be noted that the government believes that the possession of cluster munitions is justifiable and that their use should be permissible in certain circumstances, after careful consideration.

The negotiations are scheduled to conclude in Dublin on 19 May, with the signing of a final version of the convention.