United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today called for a freeze on the use of cluster bombs in or near populated areas, saying they had "atrocious, inhumane effects" on civilians.
Debate over the use of the weapon has intensified after Israel dropped them on southern Lebanon in its month-long war against the Islamist Hezbollah militia this year.
"I call on you to freeze the use of cluster munitions against military assets located in or near populated areas. At the same time, we should all remember that placing military assets in such areas is illegal under international humanitarian law," Mr Annan said.
In a speech read out on his behalf at the start of an international arms control review conference, Mr Annan also called for freezing "the transfer of those cluster munitions that are known to be inaccurate and unreliable". Cluster bombs burst into bomblets and spread out near the ground.
While some aim to destroy tanks, others are designed to kill infantry soldiers over a wide area. Unexploded bomblets can pose a risk to civilians for years after a conflict has ended. Children are seen as especially vulnerable as they do not know the threat the bomblets pose.
Cluster bombs are not banned, but some humanitarian agencies say they should be because they cause too many civilian casualties. Belgium is the only country to have banned their production and use.
The United States today reiterated its long-standing position that restricting cluster bombs could result in using weapons that cause greater human suffering and physical damage.