Event information

14 May 2024, 18:30-19:45

Downloads

Flyer >

Artificial Intelligence in Military Decision Making: Legal and Humanitarian Implications

Event

AI Image of Military Person using a drone AI Image of Military Person using a drone

Military uses of artificial intelligence (AI) are becoming increasingly sophisticated and widespread. A growing number of reports allege the use of AI in military planning and decision-making processes, including about who or what to target. What are the legal implications when these kinds of tools are used on the battlefield? What new risks might they create for civilians and other protected persons, and how can they be designed and used to mitigate these risks?

This event launches two significant reports that consider these questions in the context of AI in military decision-making. The first report, produced by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights, highlights central themes arising from two expert workshops on AI decision support systems (AI DSS), held in November 2022. The second, authored by Arthur Holland Michel, titled "Decisions, Decisions, Decisions: Computation and Artificial Intelligence in Military Decision-Making," draws on interviews and research to provide an in-depth analysis of the trends and implications of AI DSS.

Co-hosted by the ICRC and the Geneva Academy, at the ICRC headquarters in Geneva, this hybrid event aims to disseminate key findings from these reports, and promote discussion of how IHL and humanitarian considerations might influence the design and use of AI DSS in armed conflict.

Opening Remarks

Laurent Gisel
Head of the Arms and Conduct of Hostilities Unit, ICRC

Erica Harper
Head of Research and Policy Studies, Geneva Academy

Moderation

Alisha Anand
Project Officer for AI and Emerging Technologies at the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue

Panelists

Arthur Holland Michel
Senior Fellow, Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs

Anna Rosalie Greipl
Research Assistant, Geneva Academy

Georgia Hinds
Legal Adviser for new technologies of warfare, ICRC

MORE ON THIS THEMATIC AREA

News

New Working Paper Explores AI for Human Rights and SDG Monitoring

30 January 2025

A new working paper, 'AI Decoded: Key Concepts and Applications of Artificial Intelligence for Human Rights and SDG Monitoring', has been published by the Geneva Human Rights Platform.

Read more

disops News

Impact of digital disinformation unpacked in new research brief series

9 April 2025

Our new series of Research Briefs examine the impact of digital disinformation and potential solutions for its regulation

Read more

Event

Strengths and Challenges of Inter-State Applications Before the European Court of Human Rights

22 May 2025, 18:30-20:00

In this Geneva Academy Talk Judge Lətif Hüseynov will discuss the challenges of inter-State cases under the ECHR, especially amid rising conflict-related applications.

Read more

Warzone Event

Advanced IHL Seminar for Academics and Policymakers

25-29 August 2025, 09:00-17:30

Co-hosted with the ICRC, this event aims to enhance the capacity of academics to teach and research international humanitarian law, while also equipping policymakers with an in-depth understanding of ongoing legal debates.

Read more

A destroyed camp for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Khor Abeche, South Darfur, Project

Understanding the Relationship between Conflict, Security and the Human Right to a Clean, Healthy and Sustainable Environment

Started in May 2023

This project will develop guidance to inform security, human rights and environmental debates on the linkages between environmental rights and conflict, and how their better management can serve as a tool in conflict prevention, resilience and early warning.

Read more

surveillance image of people Project

Human Rights in a Digitalized World: Mapping Risk, Strengthening Regulation and Promoting the Development of International Human Rights Law

Started in August 2023

To unpack the challenges raised by artificial intelligence, this project will target two emerging and under-researched areas: digital military technologies and neurotechnology.

Read more

Cover page of the working paper Publication

AI Decoded: Key Concepts and Applications of Artificial Intelligence for Human Rights and SDG Monitoring

published on January 2025

Milica Mirkovic, Jennifer Victoria Scurrell

Read more

Cover Page of Research Brief Publication

Sending Up a Flare: Autonomous Weapons Systems Proliferation Risks to Human Rights and International Security

published on August 2024

Leif Monnett

Read more