Autonomous Weapons & Human Rights Ethical Implications & Legal Accountability In Modern Warfare
- IJLLR Journal
- 1 day ago
- 1 min read
Srijan Sahay, Delhi Metropolitan Education, Noida
Gunjita Pant, Delhi Metropolitan Education, Noida
ABSTRACT
The advent of Autonomous Weapons Systems (AWS) has fundamentally transformed the nature of warfare, introducing new ethical dilemmas and raising significant human rights concerns. As AI-driven systems assume increasing control over targeting and combat decisions, questions arise around accountability for human rights violations in instances where AWS actions harm civilians or violate international humanitarian law. This paper explores the ethical challenges associated with the use of AWS, such as the delegation of life-and-death decisions to machines, potential algorithmic bias, and threats to human dignity. It examines the legal hurdles in attributing responsibility for the actions of autonomous systems, particularly under international humanitarian law (IHL), which emphasizes the principles of proportionality, distinction, and necessity. This paper recommends a multi- faceted strategy, including enhanced human oversight, binding international agreements, and the implementation of strict ethical standards in AWS development. A structured legal framework, combined with “meaningful human control” over AWS, is proposed to safeguard human rights in modern warfare while accommodating advancements in military technology. By addressing these challenges, the international community can work towards ensuring accountability and respect for human rights amid the growing role of AI in armed conflict.
Keywords: Autonomous Weapons Systems, human rights, ethical implications, accountability, international humanitarian law
