Geneva Academy>
11 August 2023
In the context of its study on the human rights implications of new and emerging technologies in the military domain, the United Nations Human Rights Council Advisory Group invited our Head of Research and Policy Studies Dr Erica Harper to provide insights and views on this issue – based on research conducted at the Geneva Academy.
In her intervention, Dr Harper shed light on military technologies’ potential impact on human rights and addressed the risks associated with the cross-application of these technologies and the related need for regulation.
Geneva Academy
Adobe
Adobe>
Dr Harper started her intervention by debunking some myths and misconceptions related to these technologies, notably the perception that they are entirely novel. Many have been in development for decades, with militaries experimenting with neuro-weapons dating back to the 1950s. The true innovation lies in the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning into existing military tools, exponentially expanding their capabilities and potential harm. This accelerated integration of AI has thrust the issue into the global spotlight due to its rapid pace.
Dr Harper also stressed the misconception that these technologies are solely developed for military purposes, underlying their extensive borrowing and repurposing across various sectors. For instance, neurotechnology initially designed for therapeutic purposes in medical settings has evolved to have military applications, and predictive algorithms, originally developed for different contexts, have found utility in automating risk assessment and building autonomous weapons systems.
Interestingly, Dr Harper stressed that the main drivers behind these technologies' development have shifted from the military itself to private companies – a shift that led to a significant reduction in costs, making military-grade devices like drones and TCDS headsets more accessible and affordable. However, this accessibility has inadvertently opened doors for non-state armed groups and private military and security companies to acquire and employ these technologies.
Dr Harper also underscored that these technologies are not only being embraced by the military and non-state actors but are also increasingly integrated into law enforcement and government surveillance efforts. The risks associated with these technologies falling into the wrong hands are very real, potentially leading to a multitude of ethical and human rights violations.
Adobe>
Dr Harper underlined that the heart of the issue revolves around the regulation of these rapidly advancing technologies – stressing the complexities around regulation given the rapid evolution of these technologies and the challenges of distinguishing between benign and weaponized applications.
She suggested that effective regulation requires a multifaceted approach involving various stakeholders and dimensions: human rights considerations, AI law, trade controls, private sector self-regulation, and supra-national oversight bodies – all deemed necessary to ensure responsible development and application of these technologies. Dr Harper emphasized the importance of human rights, as a guiding principle in these discussions.
Geneva Academy>
We are conducting dedicated research on the human rights impact of new technologies and the related need for regulation via two dedicated projects that will culminate in the development of guidelines on the development and use of these new technologies in conformity with human rights.
In July, students enrolled in our LLM in International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights embarked on a week-long study trip to Armenia.
Via its DHRTTDs Directory, the Geneva Human Rights Platform provides a comprehensive list and description of such key tools and databases. But how to navigate them? Which tool should be used for what, and by whom? This interview helps us understand better the specificities of the November highlight of the directory: SIMORE Plus.
CCPR Centre
This discussion will look into election processes for UN TBs, the impact of Feminist Foreign Policy on this process, what can we learn from fellow international mechanisms, as well as the inclusion of a vetting process.
UN Photo
This online short course analyses the main international and regional norms governing the international protection of refugees. It notably examines the sources of international refugee law, including the 1951 Geneva Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, and their interaction with human rights law and international humanitarian law.
ICRC
This online short course discusses the extent to which states may limit and/or derogate from their international human rights obligations in order to prevent and counter-terrorism and thus protect persons under their jurisdiction.
UN Photo / Jean-Marc Ferré
A series of events aimed at discussing contemporary issues and challenges related to the promotion and protection of human rights in Geneva and beyond.
Victoria Pickering
This project aims at providing support to the UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and of Association Clément Voulé by addressing emerging issues affecting civic space and eveloping tools and materials allowing various stakeholders to promote and defend civic space.