Artificial Intelligence and International Humanitarian Law: The Debate on Autonomous Weapons Systems at the UN

The evolution of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has transformed modern warfare, introducing Autonomous Weapons Systems (AWS) capable of selecting and engaging targets without human intervention. This technological shift raises profound legal and ethical concerns under International Humanitarian Law (IHL), particularly about accountability, proportionality, and civilian protection. The United Nations, through its Group of Governmental Experts on Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems (LAWS), continues to debate these issues. The paper explores whether existing IHL is adequate to regulate AWS or if new international frameworks are necessary to ensure human control and humanitarian compliance.