Autonomous Weapons Systems Proliferation Poses Risks to Human Rights and International Security
Keywords: human rights, international security, international law
Abstract: Autonomous weapons systems (AWS) are rapidly being developed, and are likely to proliferate. Many factors will determine which kinds of AWS proliferate, to whom they proliferate, and the pace and scope of proliferation. This paper identifies international security and law risks from the proliferation of AWS to state and non-state actors, including risks to civil society.
Potential uses of AWS by state and non-state actors include warfighting, policing, and extrajudicial killing. Challenges to international human rights and humanitarian law from the use of AWS in warfighting and policing have previously been well-examined . However, proliferation of AWS may facilitate the targeted killing of a wide range of at-risk individuals and vulnerable populations by state and non-state actors. The human rights implications of the use of AWS for extrajudicial killing are manifold, and include violations of the rights to life, dignity, freedom of opinion and expression, freedom of religion, freedom of peaceful assembly and association, protection from discrimination, etc. Challenges posed to attribution by AWS may undermine accountability: a core principle underlying international law.
This paper provides specific policy recommendations to mitigate such risks, and argues that international action to address these issues is urgently needed.
Submission Number: 11
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