Human Rights Watch (HRW) called upon the countries that endorsed the inaugural UN General Assembly (UNGA) resolution concerning “killer robots” on Wednesday to actively support talks for a fresh international treaty aimed at prohibiting and overseeing these autonomous weapons. These weapons, known as autonomous weapons systems, can identify and engage targets autonomously through sensor processing, bypassing direct human control or input.
HRW emphasized that existing autonomous weapons systems have been limited in their types and operational scope. However, technological advances now give rise to systems operating without significant human control. Machines, rather than human operators, make crucial decisions regarding when, where and against what target force is applied. Mary Wareham, the arms advocacy director at Human Rights Watch, noted the pressing importance highlighted in the General Assembly resolution on autonomous weapons systems. She stated:
The General Assembly resolution on autonomous weapons systems stresses the urgent need for the international community to deal with the dangers raised by removing human control from the use of force. The resolution’s wide support shows that governments are prepared to take action and should move forward on a new international treaty without delay.
The UNGA Resolution 78/241 was adopted on December 22, 2023, with 152 votes in favor, four votes against and 11 votes of abstention. The resolution emphasized the application of international law, including the UN Charter and humanitarian and human rights laws, to autonomous weapons systems. It acknowledged the potential benefits of emerging technologies while also expressing concerns about their humanitarian, legal, security, technological and ethical challenges. The resolution voiced worries about negative global security impacts, commended ongoing efforts by the Group of Governmental Experts, and recognized contributions from various conferences. It highlighted the importance of seeking diverse perspectives on lethal autonomous weapons systems from member states, observers, international organizations, civil society and industry.
Furthermore, UN Secretary-General António Guterres was requested to submit a comprehensive report for discussion in the 79th session of the General Assembly, including insights from the global community. Guterres previously voiced concern on the topic in a joint letter with International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) President Mirjana Spoljaric in October 2023. Wednesday’s resolution also decided to include the item “Lethal autonomous weapons systems” in the provisional agenda for its 79th session.
The resolution was not the first to call for the regulation of autonomous weapons. The Caribbean Community (CARICOM), while endorsing the Belén Communiqué, reaffirmed the need for a binding international instrument on autonomous weapons systems (AWS). They also expressed concerns about their ethical and humanitarian risks in a September 2023 declaration. The Belén Communiqué, from February 2023, also underscored challenges from emerging technologies to global peace, urging swift regulations guided by international and humanitarian law for new weapons technologies. Emphasis was also placed on maintaining human control in warfare.
