Can robots implement the Geneva Conventions?

The development of autonomous weapons - Who is responsible?

Seminar

Date:

Wednesday 26 November 2014

Time:

16.30 – 18.30

Location:

Lecture hall B-413, Stockholm University

Autonomous Weapons and International Law

Swedish event entitled "Kan robotar tillämpa Genèvekonventionerna?".

The development of autonomous weapons systems—designed to identify and engage targets independently, without human intervention—raises significant legal challenges under international law. Key questions include: Can these systems accurately distinguish between civilians and combatants? Who holds responsibility for the actions of autonomous weapons? These pressing concerns are currently being debated within the framework of the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW) in Geneva.

This panel will explore these issues from multiple perspectives, including technical, military, diplomatic, and international legal viewpoints.

Speakers

Martin Hagström, Research Director, FOI

Lieutenant Colonel Lars Olsson, Swedish Armed Forces (Headquarters)

Annika Thunborg, Counsellor, UD, Ministry for Foreign Affairs

Magnus Sandbu, Defense Lawyer, Swedish Armed Forces

Cecilia Tengroth, International Lawyer, Swedish Red Cross