Appropriate levels of human control over autonomous weapon systems

  • Tarisa Yasin (Speaker)

Activity: Talk or presentationOral presentation

Description

Autonomous weapon systems are designed to have the capacity to select and attack targets without direct human input. However, to use autonomous weapon systems in warfare poses a legal challenge since implementing international humanitarian law requires elements of human discretion. There is a lack of clarity in what is meant by ‘meaningful human control’ or ‘appropriate level of human control’. Defining the concepts of ‘human control’ and ‘appropriate levels’ of such control with more precision would provide a clearer guideline for States when developing and using autonomous weapon systems. Focusing on the role of human control in the human-machine interface of autonomous weapon systems would deepen the understanding of concerns that arise from autonomous weapon systems.

Therefore, this paper will build upon the discussions regarding the implications of autonomous weapon systems. It will attempt to clarify the legal limits of the use of autonomous weapon systems by proposing a working definition of ‘appropriate levels of human control’ that is necessary for autonomous weapon systems to comply with international humanitarian law. Thus, ensuring the protection of civilians as well as combatants from unnecessary harm and suffering.

Additional information

I presented on an aspect of my thesis introducing the concepts that will build the foundations of my thesis project. I presented this at the Asian Law and Society 4th Annual Conference in Osaka, Japan.
Period14 Dec 2019
Held atAsian Law and Society Association, Japan
Degree of RecognitionInternational