Global Debate Begins on ‘Killer Robot’ Laws at UN Assembly
New York, May 12, 2025 — The United Nations General Assembly convened today for its first dedicated session on regulating lethal autonomous weapons systems (LAWS), commonly referred to as “killer robots.” This marks a pivotal shift from previous discussions held under the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW), which have struggled to achieve consensus due to the requirement for unanimous agreement among member states.
The urgency of this session stems from the increasing deployment of AI-powered autonomous weapons in active conflict zones, including Ukraine and Gaza. Over 200 such systems are reportedly operational worldwide, raising concerns about the ethical implications and potential for human rights violations.
In response to these developments, UN Secretary-General António Guterres has set a 2026 deadline for establishing clear international regulations on autonomous weapons. However, major military powers such as the United States, Russia, China, and India have expressed a preference for national guidelines over binding international treaties, citing concerns over sovereignty and strategic advantage.
Despite these challenges, there is growing international support for regulation. In November 2024, the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution L.77 on lethal autonomous weapons systems, with 161 countries voting in favor. The resolution mandates expanded discussions and supports capacity building on the autonomous weapons topic, providing a platform for comprehensive and inclusive consideration of the issues raised. Centro di Ateneo per i Diritti Umani+2Stop Killer Robots+2safeground.org.au+2
The May 12 meeting represents a pivotal moment in the global effort to address the challenges posed by autonomous weapons. The next round of talks is scheduled for September 2025, with the aim of developing a comprehensive legal framework that ensures meaningful human control over the use of force and prevents the unchecked proliferation of autonomous weapon systems.
As the international community grapples with the rapid advancement of military AI, the outcomes of these discussions will be critical in shaping the future of warfare and ensuring that ethical considerations remain at the forefront of technological development.
