New Report Highlights Risks Posed by Autonomous Weapons Systems Proliferation to State and Non-State Actors

21 August 2024

Our latest research brief, Sending Up a Flare: Autonomous Weapons Systems Proliferation Risks to Human Rights and International Security, authored by Research Consultant Leif Monnett, examines the proliferation of autonomous weapons systems (AWS), and consequent risks to security and human rights.

AWS have been the subject of international processes since 2014. Proliferation risks, however, remain under-addressed in international fora. In response, this research examines factors determining which kinds of AWS proliferate, to whom they proliferate, and the pace and scope of proliferation. It identifies international security and law risks from the proliferation of AWS to state and non-state actors, including risks to civil society.

As explained by Leif Monnett, 'The proliferation of AWS to state and non-state actors threatens international security and poses serious risks to a wide range of human rights. Certain AWS technologies facilitate the killing or maiming of vulnerable people, or groups of people. The inherent difficulty of attributing AWS attacks may undermine accountability: a core principle underpinning international law.'

A key conclusion is that international action to address this potentiality is urgently needed. Head of Research and Policy Dr. Erica Harper underscored the report’s conclusion that 'The international community must seize the window of opportunity created by a growing awareness around AWS proliferation, and take proactive and concrete action to evaluate and mitigate the threats to human rights.' Specific policy recommendations include: evaluating the feasibility of a monitoring program to track the development and use of AWS; convening an interdisciplinary expert working group to identify best practices to reduce the vulnerability of high-risk targets; prohibiting the development of AWS which use technology facilitating targeted killing; and calling upon states to pledge to refrain from the domestic use of AWS.

MORE ON THIS THEMATIC AREA

A GHRP training course News

Training Opportunities 2025: Engage with UN Human Rights Mechanisms

28 January 2025

The Geneva Human Rights Platform is launching its 2025 training programme, designed to empower stakeholders engaging with UN human rights system.

Read more

GHRP EU News News

Bridging Geneva and Europe: advancing human rights in the digital age

2 June 2025

The Geneva Human Rights Platform has taken its work on strengthening the international human rights system to the heart of European policymaking.

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

Local Government Event

Enhancing National Reporting and Implementation of Human Rights through Coordinated Engagement at the Local and Regional Levels: The Role of NMIRFs

23 July 2025, 10:00-17:00

This seminar explores how national mechanisms for implementation, reporting and follow-up can better integrate the capacities, data, and experiences of local and regional governments in advancing human rights implementation and reporting.

Read more

Training

Human Rights and the Environment: Introducing Legal Regimes and Key Issues

1-8 September 2025

Participants in this training course will be introduced to the major international and regional instruments for the promotion of human rights, as well as international environmental law and its implementation and enforcement mechanisms.

Read more

Open dump Training

Protecting Human Rights and the Environment

15-19 September 2025

Participants in this training course will gain practical insights into UN human rights mechanisms and their role in environmental protection and learn about how to address the interplay between international human rights and environmental law, and explore environmental litigation paths.

Read more

Neutrotechology Project

Neurotechnology and Human Rights

Started in August 2023

This project addresses the human rights implications stemming from the development of neurotechnology for commercial, non-therapeutic ends, and is based on a partnership between the Geneva Academy, the Geneva University Neurocentre and the UN Human Rights Council Advisory Committee. 

Read more

George Floyd protest in Washington D.C. Project

Promoting and Protecting the Rights to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and Association and Civic Space Worldwide

Started in June 2020

This project aims at providing support to the UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and of Association Clément Voulé by addressing emerging issues affecting civic space and eveloping tools and materials allowing various stakeholders to promote and defend civic space.

Read more

Cover of the publication Publication

Briefing N° 25: Localizing Multilateralism

published on March 2025

Domenico Zipoli, Ludovica Chiussi Curzi, Kamelia Kemileva

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