• Killer Robots

    Fully autonomous weapons, also known as "killer robots," would be able to select and engage targets without human intervention. Fully autonomous weapons do not exist yet, but they are being developed by several countries and precursors to fully autonomous weapons have already been deployed by high-tech militaries. Some experts predict that fully autonomous weapons could be operational in 20 to 30 years. These weapons would be incapable of meeting international humanitarian law standards, including the rules of distinction, proportionality, and military necessity. The weapons would not be constrained by the capacity for compassion, which can provide a key check on the killing of civilians. Fully autonomous weapons also raise serious questions of accountability because it is unclear who should be held responsible for any unlawful actions they commit. Human Rights Watch calls for a preemptive prohibition on fully autonomous weapons.

  • The United Kingdom’s Taranis combat aircraft, whose prototype was unveiled in 2010, is designed to strike distant targets, “even in another continent.” While the Ministry of Defence has stated that humans will remain in the loop, the Taranis exemplifies the move toward increased autonomy.
    © 2010 AP Photo
    Ban ‘Killer Robots’ Before It’s Too Late

    Governments should pre-emptively ban fully autonomous weapons because of the danger they pose to civilians in armed conflict.

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Arms

  • UN Human Rights Council: Interactive Dialogue with the Commission of Inquiry on Syria
    Jun 4, 2013
    Human Rights Watch is deeply concerned by the escalating level of violence in Syria.In particular, we express grave concern for the safety of the remaining civilian population in al-Qusayr as well as wounded and captured fighters on all sides. Local opposition activists told Human Rights Watch that recent government attacks on fleeing civilians, including a reported attack on May 31, have made it difficult to escape and put remaining civilians, including many wounded, at great risk.
  • Tunisia: Bystanders Shot in Clash with Police
    Jun 3, 2013
    Several apparent bystanders were shot as police used force to suppress violent protests in Tunis on May 19, 2013. One person was killed and at least three were severely injured.
  • Prevent 'Killer Robots' Deciding When to Kill on Battlefield
    May 30, 2013
    It is clear that many countries are moving toward systems that would give full combat autonomy to the high-tech machines of the future.
  • US: Take Lead Against Lethal Robotic Weapons
    May 28, 2013

    The United States should endorse the call by a United Nations (UN) special rapporteur to halt fully autonomous robotic weapons.

  • Yemen: Investigate, Respond to Landmine Use Reports
    May 27, 2013

    The government of Yemen should investigate and respond to allegations that the Republican Guards laid banned antipersonnel landmines at a location north of the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, in 2011.

  • Compliance with the Mine Ban Treaty
    May 27, 2013

    Steve Goose, arms division director, delivered a statement on compliance at the Mine Ban Treaty Intersessional Standing Committee Meetings in Geneva.

  • Yemen: Letter to Defense Minister Calls on Government to Investigate, Respond to Landmine Use Reports
    May 21, 2013

    On May 21, 2013, Human Rights Watch sent a letter to the Minister of Defense of Yemen to request information regarding allegations indicating that Republican Guard forces emplaced antipersonnel landmines in 2011 around military camps they maintain in the Bani Jarmooz area near Sana’a and have since resisted the removal of these prohibited munitions although they have caused civilian casualties, including children. 

  • Israel: Strengthen White Phosphorus Phase-Out
    May 18, 2013
    Israel should strengthen an announced reduction of its military use of white phosphorus munitions by banning all use of “air-burst” white phosphorus munitions in populated areas without exception. Human Rights Watch has also urged all countries to make white phosphorus illegal when used as an incendiary weapon.
  • Arms/US: Endorse Recommendations of Heyns Report on Lethal Autonomous Robotics
    May 14, 2013

    Human Rights Watch calls on the United States to welcome the Heyns report on lethal autonomous robotics and endorse its four recommendations, which in effect urge all states to take steps similar to those the United States is already committing to take on fully autonomous weapons.

  • Syria: New Air, Missile Strikes Kill Civilians
    Apr 26, 2013
    New Syrian government air and missile strikes are causing high civilian casualties in opposition-controlled areas of Aleppo in violation of the laws of war. A Human Rights Watch team in northern Aleppo province has investigated recent attacks that killed scores of civilians and destroyed dozens of civilian homes without damaging any apparent opposition military targets.
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