Geneva Talks Stress Urgent Need for Rules on Lethal Autonomous Weapons

Since 2014, over 100 states under the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons have met in Geneva to discuss regulating or banning Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems (LAWS) that may not comply with international humanitarian law (IHL). Chair Robert in den Bosch emphasized urgent progress is needed to keep pace with technological advances. While most agree IHL applies to LAWS, legally binding standards are lacking. The US and Russia oppose new treaties, citing existing laws, whereas others call for rules ensuring human judgment in weapon use. Consensus on regulations remains challenging amid geopolitical tensions.