Archive · 25 Aug 2026
UN and Red Cross Urge Rules for Autonomous Weapons
The United Nations and the Red Cross are worried about weapons that can choose targets without a person making the final decision.
These weapons are often called killer robots.
The groups say this technology is developing very quickly.
They fear that machines choosing to attack people would cross an important moral line.
They want countries to create strong international rules, including some bans and restrictions.
They are not calling for one blanket ban on every autonomous weapon.
Some reports describe possible autonomous-drone use in Ukraine, but the organisations have not confirmed that such weapons have been used in battle.
Countries will meet in Geneva in November to discuss stronger rules.
The organisations say scientists and engineers have also warned about the risks.
The United Nations and International Committee of the Red Cross warned that autonomous weapons could soon cross a moral red line.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric called for legally binding rules with clear prohibitions and restrictions.
They said weapons technology is advancing rapidly, widening the gap between technological capabilities and international regulations.
Reports have alleged autonomous-drone activity in Ukraine, but the UN and Red Cross said they have not confirmed battlefield use of such weapons.
Negotiators will meet in Geneva in November to discuss strengthening the Convention on Conventional Weapons.
- Who
- The United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross, represented by Antonio Guterres and Mirjana Spoljaric.
- What
- They renewed calls for legally binding international rules, including prohibitions and restrictions, on autonomous weapons systems.
- When
- The warning was issued on Tuesday; negotiations are scheduled for November.
- Where
- The statement was issued in Geneva, where the November negotiations will take place.
- Why
- They said autonomous weapons are developing rapidly, increasing risks and widening the gap between technological capabilities and international regulations.
- Weapons discussed
- Autonomous weapons systems, often called killer robots.
- Main concern
- Machines could eventually select and target humans without human control or input.
- Requested action
- Countries should urgently negotiate legally binding rules with clear prohibitions and restrictions.
- Blanket ban
- The appeal calls for specific bans and restrictions but stops short of demanding a blanket ban on all autonomous weapons.
- Reported battlefield activity
- Media reports alleged autonomous-drone activity in Ukraine, including a report that an experimental artificial-intelligence system killed three civilians; the UN and Red Cross have not confirmed battlefield use.
- Upcoming talks
- Negotiators are scheduled to meet in Geneva in November.
- Legal framework
- The talks will consider strengthening the existing Convention on Conventional Weapons.
