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Autonomous weapons: a moment to act (and how you can help)

This November, governments have an opportunity to launch negotiations on an autonomous weapons treaty. With the risks growing and public support for action clear, Yvette Issar explains why now is the time to make our voices heard.

We are witnessing the alarming humanitarian consequences of increasingly sophisticated military technologies in conflicts around the world. Photo: Ben Stevens
We are witnessing the alarming humanitarian consequences of increasingly sophisticated military technologies in conflicts around the world. Photo: Ben Stevens

Earlier this year, the United Nations Secretary General and the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) jointly warned that the world is perilously close to “crossing a moral red line". They were warning about human beings being targeted and killed by autonomous machines.

A crucial opportunity

This month in Geneva, states can step back from the brink. At a meeting from 16-20 November, states could launch negotiations on a treaty on lethal autonomous weapons systems. Lethal autonomous weapons systems, or 'killer robots' are weapons capable of selecting and engaging targets with limited or no human intervention.

[QUOTE-START]

Innovation must serve humanity – not endanger it.

- António Guterres & Mirjana Spoljaric

[QUOTE-END]

These technologies are increasingly integrated into warfare. The need to establish limits on their development and use is urgent. We are witnessing the alarming humanitarian consequences of increasingly sophisticated military technologies in conflicts around the world, including in Gaza, Iran, Sudan, Ukraine and beyond. These consequences underscore why states need to act.

For years campaigners, including the Stop Killer Robots coalition, have been calling for a treaty to prohibit and restrict autonomous weapons. They will be present at the November meetings, and so will the Quaker United Nations Office (QUNO). Together, we will urge states to agree a strong basis for a treaty, with a clear and ambitious timeframe. Technological developments are moving rapidly. Any further delay increases the risk that the technology gets stronger and more entrenched in military practice before meaningful international limits are agreed.

Establishing limits

So far states have taken a two-tier approach to autonomous weapons. This approach prohibits some autonomous weapons and restricts the development and use of others. For Quakers, whose commitment to peace extends beyond limiting the means of warfare, this may not go far enough. The peace testimony asks us to "utterly deny all outward wars and strife, and fightings with outward weapons, for any end, or under any pretence whatsoever".

Establishing binding limits on these weapons may not be the ultimate aim but can be an important step towards preventing harm. I support the launch of negotiations even if I don't think I would endorse everything in the treaty they will produce. I want to see states begin the difficult but urgent work of establishing limits, while continuing to advocate for the strongest possible protections. And I want to see this before the technologies develop any further, with more devastating consequences.

Addressing the dangers

This is a time of global instability, marked by escalating conflict, climate catastrophes and cost-of-living crises. But people around the world are calling on their governments to invest in creating opportunities for individuals and their communities to flourish. People are questioning why more money, resources, land, water and computing capacity are being devoted to war. These resources could support clean air, clean water, renewable energy, biodiversity and solidarity within and between communities. For me, and for many Friends, these are not separate concerns. My commitment to peace is inseparable from my concern for the wellbeing of people and the planet.

The vast majority of countries want a legally binding treaty on lethal autonomous weapons. On 29 October, 163 countries, including the UK, voted for a UN resolution on autonomous weapons. I am grateful to know I am not alone. There is widespread international support for addressing the dangers these weapons pose. Nine countries abstained, and only five voted against.

Public support for international action is also strong. A survey published in October found that 90% of British respondents considered it important for their government to take the lead on a global treaty limiting military AI use.

The UK has an opportunity to match the public's concern and help turn over a decade of international discussion on autonomous weapons into meaningful action by supporting the launch of negotiations on a treaty.

What can you do?

The decisions taken in Geneva this November will decide if a treaty negotiation is launched. The UK government has a role to play and your voice matters.

  • Sign the petition calling on the UK government to support legally binding international rules on military AI and autonomous weapons.
  • Write to your MP urging the UK to support a strong, time-bound mandate for treaty negotiations. Stop Killer Robots UK and the United Nations Association UK have prepared a template to help you.
  • Stay informed and spread the word. Share this article, discuss the issue with others, and explore the resources below.

Find out more:

Campaign resources:

Two recent documentaries exploring the dangers of autonomous weapons