Statement of the 13MSP Presidency on Lithuania’s effective withdrawal from the Convention on Cluster Munitions
March 6, 2025
It is with deep regret that we acknowledge the decision by Lithuania to proceed with its decision, announced 6 months ago, to withdraw as a State Party to the Convention on Cluster Munitions (“the Convention”), which took effect on 6 March 2025. It is an unprecedented decision that risks eroding the norms and principles that prohibit the use of cluster munitions, which have caused indiscriminate harm and suffering over the past decades.
Efforts were exerted by many to engage Lithuania to reconsider its decision, given the Convention’s role in humanitarian disarmament, particularly in the context of the legal obligation of the States Parties to the Convention to promote universal adherence to and strict observance of the Convention’s norms.
This is the first ever case of withdrawal of a State from a multilateral treaty prohibiting a whole class of weapons. Though withdrawal is allowed by the Convention and is a sovereign prerogative, we hope there will be no others, for the integrity of the Convention and for the sanctity of international humanitarian law.
Carlos D. Sorreta
Ambassador and Permanent Representative
Philippine Mission to the United Nations and Other International Organizations
Geneva
Other related statements:
- ICRC statement: Reneging on cluster munitions ban endangers civilians and erodes IHL
- ICRC news release: ICRC Warns of Civilian Harm as Cluster Munitions Ban is Eroded
- Cluster Munition Coalition (CMC): Lithuania’s departure from the CCM creates dangers for its population and global norms