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The debate over “killer robots” has gained momentum at the UN, with 166 countries voting in favor of a resolution calling for the creation of a treaty to ban these lethal autonomous weapons. The central concern revolves around the risks that these devices pose to global security, fueled by advances in technology and artificial intelligence (AI). The vote, held on December 2, also called for an international forum to further analyze the impacts of these systems.
Of the voting countries, only three voted against the measure – Belarus, North Korea and Russia – while 15 abstained. According to Human Rights Watch (HRW), many of those who did not support the measure are investing heavily in the military development of autonomous weapons, whether on land, in the air or at sea. These nations see “killer robots” as a strategic differentiator amid constant advances in military technology.
The urgency of the anti-robot treaty
In its statement this Thursday, HRW highlighted that robots with decision-making capabilities about life and death, without human intervention, are morally repulsive and politically unacceptable. According to the report by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, released earlier, such systems pose an imminent threat to international stability and could intensify humanitarian crises and armed conflicts.
The UN document also recognizes the risks of an arms race, where machines would decide when and against whom to apply lethal force. These robots, previously limited by range and operating environment, are now gaining autonomy with advances in technology, enhancing their ability to operate without significant human supervision.
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Next Steps
To move forward on the issue, a round of consultations is scheduled for next year in New York, involving UN member states, NGOs, scientific organizations and other interested parties. The aim is to build an international consensus and outline the next steps to regulate or prohibit the use of these weapons.
Mary Wareham, deputy director at HRW, said the biggest challenge will be negotiating a robust treaty that prevents a future dominated by “automated killings.” However, because the resolution is non-binding, some powers, such as the United States, remain reluctant to ban “killer robots” altogether.
With advances in technology and AI expanding reach and the autonomy of these weapons, the world faces a crossroads. The decision now lies in the hands of the international community, which will need to act quickly and firmly to prevent machines from determining the course of conflicts and human lives.
