Crown Copyright
Completed in December 2015
This project focused on the international legal implications of the use of armed unmanned vehicles (armed drones) and autonomous weapon systems. It aimed in particular to address the legal and ethical challenges these new technologies pose in relation to the regulation of the use of force.
This research project was carried out by Stuart Casey-Maslen, Milena Costas Trascasas and Nathalie Weizmann.
As part of the project the Geneva Academy and the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) organized an expert meeting to discuss armed drones and autonomous weapon systems under international law.
The results of the research were published in November 2014 as Academy Briefing No. 8, Autonomous Weapon Systems under International Law.
This Briefing reviews the legality of using autonomous weapon systems with respect to the law that governs inter-state use of force (jus ad bellum), the international law of law enforcement and international humanitarian law, notably in regard to the rules on distinction, proportionality and precautions in attack. It also examines the international obligation to conduct a legal review of autonomous weapon systems and the broader issues of accountability under domestic and international law.
Milena Costas Trascasas, Nathalie Weizmann
Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights
Project
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This project will explore humanitarian consequences and protection needs caused by the digitalization of armed conflicts and the extent to which these needs are addressed by international law, especially international humanitarian law.
Publication
Geneva Academy
Publication
Geneva Academy ICRC
