Human Rights in Conflict Situation

Abstract

Means and methods of war were always progressing. Guns, tanks, and remotely controlled aerial vehicles were all created to put as much of a safe distance as possible between a soldier and an adversary. Thus, the appearance of autonomous weapon systems became a natural continuation of it. Such weaponry can select and engage a target by itself without human intervention based on the data gathered from the sensors. It is an emerging technology that provoked various concerns and debates on how to approach AI-driven weaponry on a global level. Considering that, this thesis investigates the 2 questions. First one inquires about the reasons why international restraint on this military technology is necessary. Second one addresses the methods on how to achieve this restraint on development and use of autonomous weapons. To answer these questions, the thesis utilizes qualitative research methods and discourse analysis. Overall, this dissertation argues that an international restraint is necessary and the best way to attain it is through the creation of a new legally-binding instrument.