Lethal autonomous weapon systems, sometime called Killer Robots, emerged from the technical possibilities in recent decades. They are not well regulated, while they enhance global inequality.

Lethal autonomous weapon systems (LAWS) that are possible with today's technologies are more than mindless weapons of mass destruction. Technically, their software could be configured for automated genocide. [I am not sure whether this is too dystopian.]

While technology has helped combatants targeting their weapons for decades, artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies allow for more autonomous less supervised performance. 

  • Are these systems subject to international humanitarian law?
  • Are extensions to IHL needed?
  • Discussions (e.g. CCW GGE) have been ongoing for some time, but haven't reached consensus yet. Why is it so difficult?
  • The ability to build and maintain LAWS is different for high-tech vs. low-tech countries. Are they amplifying existing inequalities?
  • LAWS can be used by actors other than nation states or against non-nation state targets. What about non-military uses?

Welche Instrumente, die nicht-ständigen Mitgliedern zur Verfügung stehen, könnte die Schweiz nutzen? (z.B. Veranstaltungen organisieren, thematische Agendapunkte vorschlagen, während 1- monatiger Ratspräsidentschaft oder in spez. Arbeitsgruppen) 

[Currently only key words] LAWS amplify global inequalities. High-income => High-tech vs. low-income => low-tech. ... can lead to conflicts ... in case of war, inhumane because money/technology vs. human lives. ... Can a UNSC resolution ban LAWS? Can it trigger adoption of a LAWS ban treaty? ... Anyway, it can give awareness to the problem on the global stage; something that the discussions in the small groups in Geneva did not do.

Auf welchen Stärken kann die Schweiz aufbauen? 

Switzerland is globally recognized for its neutrality and its strictly humanitarian approach. Its innovation and scientific capabilities are well known and give credibility in technology and engineering topics. This combination of technology and humanitarian approaches is important for addressing this topic.

Switzerland has historically been involved in the development of international humanitarian law and might be able to negotiate new regimes for responsibility, accountability and attribution.

Welche Partner und Verbündete könnten dabei einbezogen werden?

[Currently only key words] P5 might want to keep LAWS as an advantage in their arsenals. ... might not want to give it up... coalition needed to show LAWS are inacceptable  ... majority of nations and of citizens ... (?? economically not relevant ???) ... LAWS need a bad image, as bad as landmines, or biological/chemical weapons.

Jus in bello: Switzerland can enlist the aid of the ICRC and related organizations in order to modernize existing treaties.