Topic: Autonomous Weapon Systems
Country: Germany
Delegate Name: River Wahl
School: Forest Hills Central High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Germany position papers GLIMUN 2015 committees
Germany’s position on the matter of lethal autonomous weapons systems is sound. We will not allow for the decision to take any form of life be delegated to a machine without human intervention. The taking of life and the decision to use force, should not be given to such machines.
Technology is advancing in unforeseen ways, and we recognize that this makes it somewhat difficult to address the situation entirely, as there is not an easy judgment of the risks and benefits of technological developments in general. Because of that, we are open to discussion regarding this matter; However, we will remain vigilant, as the red line leading to autonomous weapons systems making the decision to take life without any kind of human intervention or verification should not be crossed.
We also believe that we should work together with the international community to ensure that rules and regulations in line with humanitarian laws be created. As a leader in the robotics industry, Germany will be working closely with other nations to determine these regulations and what they can do to ensure the safety of all. For example, perhaps strict guidelines for engaging targets with the assistance of autonomous weapon systems should be put in place.
Furthermore, we understand that the unconditional respect for international humanitarian law be the main pillar from which we lean on for these discussions. Germany is ready to begin discussion regarding the matters of autonomous weapon systems, their development, and the rules regarding these.
