The application of international humanitarian law in relation to lethal autonomous weapons systems

In person (Geneva), side event to the GGE on LAWS
7 March 2025
RSVP
The application of international humanitarian law in relation to lethal autonomous weapons systems

While there is general agreement on the applicability of international humanitarian law (IHL) in relation to lethal autonomous weapons systems, its interpretation and application may present geographical and sectoral differences and variations. As such, UNIDIR has been implementing a project seeking to take stock on existing approaches, interpretations and applications of international humanitarian law as it currently stands in relation to lethal autonomous weapons systems.

This side-event will present some key insights from the project, specifically from two outputs:

  1. Key findings from a background paper, to be launched at the side-event, summarizing existing views reflected in States’ public statements, academic scholarship and grey literature.
  2. The organization of regional consultations on the application of international humanitarian law in relation to lethal autonomous weapons systems, namely in Western Europe and North America; Latin America and the Caribbean; Africa; and the Asia-Pacific. Representatives from the Netherlands, Brazil, South Africa and Singapore will be sharing their reflections, in addition to members of the UNIDIR project team.

When and where

Friday, 7 March, 13:00–15:00 CET, Palais des Nation, Geneva, Room XXIII.

*A light lunch will be provided to the participants attending in person.

Participants

We welcome delegations to the Group of Governmental Experts on lethal autonomous weapons systems and AI, IHL and international law experts, as well as members of the multi-stakeholder community, including industry, civil society and intergovernmental organizations (ECOSOC status).

RSVP

Registration is mandatory, please register by Friday, 7 March, 10 am. 

Further information

For questions, please contact sectec-unidir@un.org.