Journal of Discourse Review
Open Access Humanitarian scholarship
7 days
Time to first decision
Open Access Humanitarian scholarship
Time to first decision
Volume: 1 Issue: 2
Year: 2025, Page: 147-157,
Received: June 15, 2025 Accepted: June 26, 2025 Published: July 22, 2025
The Syrian civil war, now in its second decade, has witnessed extensive use of banned weapons—particularly cluster munitions and landmines—by both state and non-state actors. This study examines their deployment, humanitarian impact, and the legal challenges they pose. Relying on field reports, legal documents, and open-source investigations, the research highlights the systematic use of cluster munitions by Syrian government forces, often in coordination with Russian military operations. These attacks have caused thousands of civilian casualties, widespread contamination from unexploded ordnance, and major obstacles to reconstruction and refugee return. Despite clear violations of the Geneva Conventions and customary international humanitarian law, legal accountability remains elusive due to Syria’s non-ratification of key treaties and the geopolitical deadlock facing institutions like the ICC. The paper assesses global legal instruments such as the Convention on Cluster Munitions and the Ottawa Treaty, reviews India’s diplomatic stance, and highlights the urgent need for stronger enforcement, broader treaty ratification, and intensified humanitarian clearance efforts. The Syrian case serves as a critical lesson for strengthening global norms against indiscriminate weapons in future conflicts.
Keywords: Cluster Munitions, International Humanitarian Law, Syria Conflict, War Crimes Accountability, Unexploded Ordnance (UXO).
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Ahmad, K. & Hannan, (2025). Syria’s Civil War and the Use of Banned Weapons: A Study on Cluster Munitions and Landmines. Journal of Discourse Review, 1(2), 147-157.