Autonomous Weapons: The New Global Scourge in Disarmament
by Jefferson Tanko Batesimah
The United Nations (UN) Disarmament Week, observed from 24–30 October, seeks to promote awareness and better understanding of disarmament issues and their cross-cutting importance. Young people have an important role to play in the promotion of disarmament as a method to protect people from harm and to build safer and more peaceful societies.
In honour of this important week, members of the Stop Killer Robots Youth Network were asked to share their thoughts on the themes of disarmament and autonomous weapons systems. Disclaimer: The blogs in this series do not necessarily constitute the opinions of Stop Killer Robots, nor should they be considered the opinions and views of all Stop Killer Robots members.
In the field of disarmament, we used to focus on small arms. These were seen as the main problem that caused violence and instability. Now, a new threat has emerged: autonomous weapons systems (AWS). These weapons can make decisions and attack targets without human control. This raises serious concerns about accountability, ethics, and civilian safety.
The rise of AWS marks a significant change in how wars may be fought. These weapons can operate on their own, which means they might be used in military actions without proper oversight. This lack of human control puts both soldiers and civilians at risk.
Paramilitary Groups and SALW
Around the world, there are many paramilitary groups that operate outside national military structures. These groups include militias, rebel factions, and private military contractors. They often possess small arms and light weapons (SALW), which they acquire through various means, such as the black market, seizing weapons from national forces, or receiving support from foreign allies.
According to the Small Arms Survey 2023 Report, there are approximately 1 billion firearms in civilian hands globally, with many belonging to paramilitary groups. The proliferation of SALW has led to increased violence and instability. The Global Burden of Armed Violence 2023 Report states that armed violence causes over 250,000 deaths annually, with a significant percentage involving SALW.
The Threat of Autonomous Weapons
The emergence of AWS introduces new challenges. As technology advances, there is growing interest in the development of these systems, which can operate with varying degrees of human control. While state militaries may deploy AWS, there are also concerns about their potential use by paramilitary groups.
Just as these groups have acquired SALW, they may also gain access to AWS through illegal markets or by capturing them from national forces. This scenario raises fears that paramilitary groups could deploy autonomous weapons in conflicts, leading to increased violence and instability.
Currently, there are no specific international regulations governing AWS. If these weapons fall into the hands of paramilitary groups, it could exacerbate conflicts and create new challenges for peace and security. The use of AWS by such groups could lead to unpredictable violence, similar to the issues caused by SALW, posing significant risks to civilian populations and global security.
The United Nations Secretary-General and the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross have called for restrictions on autonomous weapon systems to mitigate these risks, emphasizing the need for regulations to control their use. Additionally, the UN First Committee approved the first-ever resolution on autonomous weapons in 2023, highlighting the urgency of addressing this issue.
Lessons from Climate Justice Movements
Youth involvement in movements like climate justice provides valuable lessons for disarmament activism. For example, movements like Fridays for Future have demonstrated how young people can effectively use social media to mobilize global protests and influence policymakers. Young activists have organized school strikes, created viral campaigns, and filed lawsuits against governments for failing to act on climate change, such as in this landmark youth climate case and a European case.
These movements show the power of youth voices and their ability to push for change on critical issues. Similarly, youth activists in disarmament can help pressure governments to regulate and ban autonomous weapons, ensuring that such technologies are not used for violence and destruction.
The Value of Youth Perspectives
Youth perspectives are essential in addressing the issue of AWS. Young people today have grown up in a digital age, giving them a unique understanding of how emerging technologies could be used both constructively and nefariously. Unfortunately, despite representing a global population of 1.8 billion, youth voices are often excluded from multilateral disarmament discussions and decision making processes.
Incorporating youth input into these discussions ensures fresh ideas and perspectives on how to prevent the misuse of autonomous weapons. Youth are not only the leaders of tomorrow but the ones who will live with the long term consequences of today’s technological advancements.
A Call to Action
This is why young people must be involved in disarmament. Youth advocates can help push for rules and bans on autonomous weapons. We can learn from other successful youth movements, like climate justice. Young people can bring their voices into discussions about regulating AWS. Their perspectives are important in shaping international rules.
Members of the Stop Killer Robots Youth Network came together to create a submission to the Secretary-General’s report on AWS, highlighting why youth want a world without such dehumanizing weapons. The Youth 4 Disarmament Initiative also emphasizes that youth must be included in disarmament and non-proliferation efforts. According to a UNODA report, the role of youth in advocating against weapons of widespread destruction is crucial for a peaceful future.
As we face the challenges of autonomous weapons, we need to act fast. It is crucial to create regulations to control their use. We must prevent AWS from becoming common. Together, we can work for a future where technology helps people and promotes peace, not conflict.
Jefferson Tanko Batesimah is a final-year student studying Mathematics in Education at the University of Cape Coast, Ghana. He is a disarmament campaigner, peace and security advocate, and climate activist. Jefferson is a Mines Action Fellow, a member of the Stop Killer Robots Youth Network, and the lead for both the Teens Health Network and the Africa Youth Disarmament Network. He also volunteers with the Foundation for Security and Development in Africa. He is passionate about youth empowerment through education and advocacy.
