Topic: Autonomous Weapon Systems
Country: Libya
Delegate Name: Michelle Svilpe
School: Mattawan High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Libya position papers GLIMUN 2015 committees
Autonomous weapons are clearly defined as being “killer robots” due to their lack of need for human control or interaction after being activated. Although these weapons have devastating results, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya hasn’t had much experience with the science behind drones. Even with a lack of knowledge, Libya recognizes the potential dangers these weapons could produce.
After efforts towards gaining Weapons of Mass Destruction in Libya were ceased, the nation does not have much experience with weapons of this caliber, other than the various weapons possessed by the terrorist groups in the country. Libya has cooperated in many instances when questions arose about nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons, and Libya is still interested in continuing its cooperation efforts. Libya has been struggling with civil unrest for several years, and hasn’t become familiar with the implication of autonomous weapons. While dealing with civil wars and multiple militia and terrorist groups, Libya has been focusing mainly on rebuilding the government and combatting the several groups attempting to take power of the country.
There are many concerns to be considered with the implication of AWS in Libya and other countries. With recent attempts to reconstruct Libya’s government, the nation has made an effort towards stopping violations of international humanitarian law, and sees autonomous weapons as a means of only furthering these violations. Libya is already struggling with humanitarian issues, and does not wish to further these and create more problems. Also, Libya is concerned with the possibility of terrorist groups coming in contact with this technology because of their presence rapidly increasing in the country. Based on the knowledge of the dangers, they potentially create a much worse situation for Libya than would be welcomed. Libya has been the victim of several drone strikes over the years, endangering the innocent people. Libya views these weapons as a clear danger to citizens because they are unable to always target the right subjects. The drones are typically an unreliable resource, and Libya would like to discontinue the use in order to protect the people of the country. To Libya, safety is the biggest concern, and AWS are seen as more of threats than a benefit.
Libya believes that several questions need to be answered relating to the use of AWS and who is going to posses them. Both benefits and dangers must be considered for nations to come to any form of agreement on this topic. Libya suggests that the committee works together to create a base of knowledge regarding AWS and then proceed with decisions on the implication. Libya is open to discussion on the topic and is looking forward to communicating with delegates to discover solutions.
