Nearly 130 countries agree first definition of ‘killer robots’

Geneva, September 6 — An agreement has been reached by nearly 130 countries on a text defining lethal autonomous weapons systems, commonly referred to as "killer robots." This marks a significant step towards discussions on a potential international treaty regulating such weapons. The text, agreed upon by 128 countries, was announced by Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen.

The Netherlands is currently leading the talks. While lethal autonomous weapons are already in use, being capable of selecting and employing force against targets without human involvement, the International Committee of the Red Cross has expressed concern over the "serious legal, ethical and humanitarian challenges" posed by the unconstrained development and use of these systems.

The ICRC, along with various campaigning groups, has been advocating for internationally binding rules to restrict and regulate their application. Nicole van Rooijen, the executive director of Stop Killer Robots, an international alliance of campaign groups, accused the United States, Russia, and their allies of attempting to weaken the agreed-upon text.

Lex International, a Geneva-based philanthropic group that funds work on key policy issues, also criticized the positions of key nations. The group highlighted that the United States, Russia, India, and Israel are among the main opponents of negotiations. On the other hand, Brazil, Ireland, and Norway are leading efforts to initiate such negotiations in November.

The UN member states will determine at upcoming talks under the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons whether to progress towards an international treaty governing these weapons.