Human Rights Watch (HRW) called on countries endorsing the inaugural UN General Assembly (UNGA) resolution on “killer robots” to actively support talks for a fresh international treaty. The aim is to prohibit and oversee autonomous weapons systems, designed to identify and engage targets autonomously through sensor processing, side-stepping direct human control or input.
The declaration underlines how up till now, autonomous weapons systems have been confined in type and operational scope. However, advancements in technology have led to the creation of systems operating without significant human control. The machines, rather than human operators, make vital decisions on when, where and against whom to apply force. The arms advocacy director at Human Rights Watch, Mary Wareham, highlighted the urgent need outlined in the General Assembly resolution on autonomous weapons systems. She stated:
The General Assembly resolution on autonomous weapons systems underlines the urgent need for the international community to confront the risks posed by removing human control from the use of force. The resolution’s broad support shows that governments are prepared to act and should advance on a new international treaty without delay.
The UNGA Resolution 78/241 was adopted in December 2023, garnering 152 votes in favor, four votes against and 11 abstentions. The resolution stresses the application of international law, including the UN Charter, and humanitarian and human rights laws, to autonomous weapons systems.
According to the resolution, there’s a recognition of the potential merits of emerging technologies. At the same time, it expresses anxieties concerning their humanitarian, legal, security, technological and ethical challenges. Furthermore, the resolution voices concerns about their impact on global security, applauds the ongoing efforts by the Group of Governmental Experts, and acknowledges the contributions from various conferences.
On another note, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), while endorsing the Belén Communiqué, underscored the requirement for a binding international instrument on autonomous weapons systems (AWS). In a September 2023 declaration, they noted their concerns about the ethical and humanitarian risks posed by these systems. The Belén Communiqué highlighted the challenges emerging from these new tech weapons to global peace, and stressed on the importance of maintaining human control in warfare.
The course of these discussions and the scope of any forthcoming treaty is worth watching for every legal professional engaged in the fields of international law, arms control, and ethics in technology.