GENEVA: The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross, Mirjana Spoljaric, issued a joint warning on Tuesday that the world is “dangerously close to crossing a moral red line: the autonomous targeting of humans by machines.”
In a joint statement, both global leaders called for immediate negotiations to adopt a legally binding instrument to regulate autonomous weapon systems with clear prohibitions and restrictions.
#### **What Are Autonomous Weapons?**
Autonomous Weapon Systems, or AWS, are AI-powered weapons that can select and engage targets without human intervention. While anti-missile systems on warships already operate this way, there is no confirmed use against human targets yet.
#### **Where Are They Being Used?**
The statement comes amid growing concerns over the role of AI-assisted semi-autonomous weapons in conflicts in Ukraine, Sudan, Gaza, Iran and the Gulf region.
Human rights groups warn that AI-driven systems cannot be adequately predicted or controlled. There is a high risk of fatal errors, such as failing to recognize an injured or surrendering soldier. It also becomes harder to hold anyone accountable for war crimes once such errors occur.
#### **What Happens Next?**
States will meet in Geneva next week to discuss potential new rules. The UN and Red Cross urged that decisive talks begin in November at a major conference planned in Geneva.
“States must show political courage and move beyond incremental discussions towards decisive action,” the joint statement said.
The report highlights that technology has advanced significantly since discussions began in 2014, making urgent regulation more critical than ever.
World > International
