States’ decade-long deliberations on emerging technologies in the area of lethal autonomous weapon systems (LAWS) have consistently discussed the application of international humanitarian law (IHL). Yet, as the international community grapples with this inherently technical and complex issue, uncertainty remains regarding how IHL specifically applies to LAWS.
Against this backdrop, UNIDIR conducted a project on working “Towards a Common Understanding of the Application of IHL to Emerging Technologies in the Area of LAWS”. Building on momentum around this topic, UNIDIR’s primary objective was to take stock of existing discussions and capture views, positions and approaches across sectors and regions on the application of IHL to LAWS.
To this end, the Institute drafted a background paper summarizing publicly available views from States, scholars and other experts participating in multilateral discussions on the applicability and interpretation of IHL with respect to the development, deployment and use of LAWS.
Additionally, UNIDIR conducted a series of bilateral and regional consultations between November 2024 and March 2025. In partnership with regional partners, UNIDIR held consultations in The Hague, Brasília, Pretoria and Singapore. These consultations provided a platform for open discussions, knowledge and information sharing, and deeper regional understandings of the intersection between IHL and LAWS.
Through these consultations, participants explored key legal, policy and defence perspectives. Held in person under the Chatham House Rule, the discussions brought together government-affiliated experts from ministries, national agencies and authorities, as well as selected scholars specializing in IHL and policy.