Susannah Kate Conroy, a leading expert in international humanitarian law (IHL) and emerging military technologies, has called for a human-centred approach to the development and deployment of autonomous weapons systems (AWS). Speaking at the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) 34th International Conference, Conroy emphasized the urgent need for vigilance, informed debate, and ethical frameworks to govern the use of AWS, ensuring compliance with IHL and mitigating civilian harm.
Conroy’s research underscores the transformative impact of AWS on decision-making in warfare. Unlike traditional weapons, AWS operate with varying degrees of autonomy, raising critical questions about accountability, legal compliance, and the ethical implications of delegating life-and-death decisions to machines. Her work highlights the necessity of integrating IHL principles into the design, testing, and operational protocols of these systems to ensure they align with humanitarian standards.
To enhance compliance with IHL, Conroy proposes several key measures. First, she advocates for comprehensive training of military personnel and decision-makers in IHL to ensure they understand the legal and ethical boundaries of AWS deployment. Additionally, she calls for rigorous weapons reviews, requiring defence industries to demonstrate that new systems can be used lawfully. This includes developing human-centred test and evaluation methods that prioritize civilian protection and adherence to international norms.
Another critical area of focus is the investment in digital infrastructure to improve situational awareness in conflict zones. By enhancing knowledge of civilian environments and their dynamics, AWS can be programmed to minimize collateral damage and avoid targeting protected objects. Conroy also stresses the importance of research into the real-world consequences of civilian harm, arguing that understanding these impacts is essential for achieving military and political objectives without compromising humanitarian principles.
Secure communication between stakeholders in conflict—including governments, NGOs, and military personnel—is another priority. Clear and reliable channels of communication can help ensure that decisions involving AWS are transparent, accountable, and aligned with IHL. Conroy also calls for upskilling governments and NGOs in emerging technologies, enabling them to contribute to system requirements, testing protocols, and operational rules of engagement.
Ultimately, Conroy asserts that governments bear the responsibility for setting ethical and legal standards for AWS. By mandating that these systems are designed and used to protect civilians and uphold IHL, governments can strike a balance between lethality and ethicality. The United Nations, she argues, can play a pivotal role in advocating for compliance with IHL, promoting human-centred use of weapons systems, and establishing mechanisms to monitor and trace military decision-making, particularly where autonomy is involved.
Conroy’s insights challenge the defence and security sector to prioritize humanitarian principles alongside technological advancement. As AWS continue to evolve, her research provides a roadmap for ensuring that these systems are developed and deployed in a manner that respects international law, protects civilians, and upholds the values of humanity. Read more at arXiv.