---

As robotics and autonomous systems become more deeply embedded in military operations, there is an urgent need to update international laws that govern armed conflict. Current legal frameworks, designed for human-controlled warfare, are ill-equipped to handle the ethical, operational, and accountability challenges posed by autonomous weapons and decision-making systems.

This draft convention aims to fill that gap by establishing clear definitions, requiring meaningful human oversight, ensuring transparency, and promoting ethical system design. It also introduces mechanisms for accountability, oversight, and international cooperation to keep the use of such technologies aligned with international humanitarian law.

While this document provides a foundation for discussion, it is only a starting point. It will need further development to address the growing risks posed by non-state actors who may use autonomous technologies for terrorism, sabotage, or irregular warfare.

As these technologies become more capable and widely available, the international community must act collectively to ensure all actors follow consistent legal and ethical standards in modern conflict.

The Department of Technology is committed to launching this essential global conversation. Although we support a complete international ban on autonomous systems in warfare, this draft convention offers an interim solution—one that can guide responsible use and regulation until such a ban is realized.

---

International Convention on the Regulation of Robotics and Autonomous Systems in Armed Conflict (Revised Draft)

Preamble

Recognizing the profound implications of robotics and autonomous systems on the nature of warfare;

Affirming the continued and binding application of international humanitarian law (IHL), including the Geneva Conventions;

Committed to preserving human dignity, accountability, and ethical conduct in armed conflict;

Determined to prevent an unregulated global arms race in autonomous weapon technologies;

The State Parties agree as follows:

---

Article 1: Definitions

1. Autonomous Weapon System (AWS): A system that, once activated, can select and engage targets without additional human input. This includes degrees of autonomy from partial to full.
2. Meaningful Human Control: A standard requiring that humans make deliberate, informed decisions regarding each use of force, with real-time situational awareness and override capability.
3. Unmanned System: Any system (aerial, ground, maritime, or space-based) that is remotely operated, semi-autonomous, or fully autonomous and used in military contexts.
4. Non-State Actor: Any individual or organization not formally affiliated with a sovereign state, including insurgent groups, private military contractors, or terrorist organizations.

---

Article 2: Fundamental Principles

1. State Parties shall ensure all robotic and autonomous systems used in conflict comply fully with IHL principles: distinction, proportionality, military necessity, and precaution.
2. Human actors remain legally and ethically responsible for all uses of force.
3. No autonomous system may be used to circumvent state or individual accountability under IHL.

---

Article 3: Human Oversight

1. All weapon systems with lethal potential must be subject to meaningful human control.
2. The development and deployment of AWS must be designed to guarantee human involvement in critical functions, particularly target selection and engagement.
3. Fully autonomous systems with independent lethal targeting functions are prohibited.

---

Article 4: Testing, Verification, and Transparency

1. All AWS must undergo rigorous pre-deployment testing, with a documented ability to operate within IHL constraints.
2. States must submit annual transparency reports detailing design standards, operational doctrines, test results, and deployment data.
3. An international verification protocol shall be established to audit system compliance and investigate any irregularities.

---

Article 5: Prohibited Practices

AWS and unmanned systems may not be used:

1. To target civilians or civilian infrastructure;
2. In contexts where target identification cannot be reliably ensured;
3. In cyber or electronic warfare operations against critical civilian systems;
4. For assassination, torture, or extrajudicial executions;
5. By non-state actors, under any circumstances.

---

Article 6: Legal Responsibility and Accountability

1. Command responsibility applies to all uses of AWS. Commanders are liable for unlawful orders and negligent oversight.
2. Developers, manufacturers, and software providers may bear civil and criminal liability for defects or reckless design.
3. Breaches of this Convention may constitute war crimes and shall be subject to international investigation and prosecution mechanisms.

---

Article 7: Joint Doctrine and Capacity-Building

1. State Parties shall harmonize military doctrine through shared training standards.
2. An International Training Centre for Robotics Warfare shall support doctrine alignment and technical capacity-building across jurisdictions.

---

Article 8: Ethical Design and Safeguards

1. Systems must incorporate design features that ensure explainability, traceability, and fail-safes for unintended behavior.
2. Systems that manipulate psychological states, exploit vulnerabilities, or employ deceptive behavioral targeting are prohibited.

---

Article 9: Oversight and Enforcement

1. An independent International Autonomous Systems Oversight Body (IASOB) shall be established.
2. IASOB shall receive, evaluate, and publicly review transparency reports, investigate violations, and issue recommendations.
3. IASOB shall update guidelines biennially to reflect emerging technological risks and best practices.

---

Article 10: Entry into Force and Amendments

1. This Convention shall enter into force 180 days after ratification by at least 30 State Parties.
2. Amendments may be proposed by any State Party and shall be adopted with a two-thirds majority.

---

Summary

This Convention is a commitment to foresight, cooperation, and the rule of law in the age of robotic warfare. It ensures that innovation in military technology remains anchored to the principles of humanity, accountability, and peace.