UN and Red Cross step up call for international rules on ‘killer robot’ weapons systems
GENEVA (AP) — The United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross on Tuesday ratcheted up a joint call for countries to adopt bans and restrictions on use of autonomous weapons systems — often known as killer robots…
The United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross have intensified their call for international rules on autonomous weapons systems, also known as "killer robots." In a joint statement, they emphasized the heightened risks associated with these weapons systems, which are being developed at an unprecedented pace.
Though the organizations did not call for a complete ban, they stressed the importance of protecting civilians in case such systems are deployed on the battlefield. U.N. Geneva spokesperson Alessandra Vellucci highlighted the urgency of the issue, stating that "the fundamental concerns remain unchanged, but the risks have intensified."
The rapid advancement in weapons technology has strained the international rules system and created a widening gap between technological capabilities and regulatory constraints. The development of autonomous weapons systems is already underway, according to the joint statement. Negotiators are set to meet in Geneva in November to discuss ways to strengthen the existing Convention on Conventional Weapons.
The U.N. and ICRC believe this conference represents the most viable path towards establishing binding legal regulations on the use of autonomous systems.
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- UN and Red Cross step up call for international rules on ‘killer robot’ weapons systems winnipegfreepress.com
