To support current international efforts to regulate autonomous weapon systems (AWS), the ICRC has prepared this position paper to clarify how international humanitarian law (IHL) applies to AWS, highlight the specific humanitarian and legal challenges they raise, and contribute to discussions on new legally binding rules. Building on its mandate to promote and strengthen IHL, the ICRC publishes this paper to assist States in ensuring the protection of civilians and upholding the principle of humanity in the face of emerging technologies of warfare.
