Topic: Autonomous Weapon Systems
Country: Croatia
Delegate Name: Peter Van Es
School: Mattawan High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Croatia position papers GLIMUN 2015 committees
Croatia believes that Autonomous Weapons Systems (AWS) that can locate, pinpoint, and destroy targets without the supervision and execution by a human being should not be implemented in any form of warfare–present or future– and should be carefully and constantly monitored, not only to prevent infractions upon international laws, but also to prevent infractions upon morality. Croatia also believes the main focus of the committee should to establish laws on such weapons and to clarify when it is appropriate to implement such instruments.
These so called, “killer robots,” are mystifying and intriguing, due to the fact that they contain so much potential; not only potential for good, but potential for nefarious purposes as well. This type of technology is new and largely unknown. As such, AWS can be and should be regarded as dangerous. Croatia utilizes certain types of AWS such as UAVs to patrol our seas and borders; however, we do not tolerate the use of AWS to destroy targets without human supervision and execution. With the possible creation of such technology looming, Croatia believes that the committee must act quickly and decisively to prevent the unnecessary loss of human life.
Ultimately, Croatia believes that the passive use for this AWS technology, such as police force implementation, could be extremely beneficial. This technology can be used to catch criminals, survey and patrol areas requiring attention, and save lives. Croatia hopes that this committee will be able to come to a resolution regarding banning the disarmament of weapon systems not requiring the moderation of a human being, as well as being able to determine if AWS technology in general violates International Humanitarian Laws.
