An examination of anti-personnel autonomous technology in weapons systems from the perspective of the right to life during an armed conflict

This article attempts to chart a path forward by analysing the application of right to life obligations under the relationship international humanitarian law (IHL) and International Human Rights law (IHRL) to anti-personnel autonomous technology in weapons systems. I argue that the right to life applicable under both IHL and IHRL requires meaningful human control of targeting and attacking human combatants. I conclude that anti-personnel autonomous technology in weapons systems that reduce to zero the human control of their targeting and attacking operations per se violate international law regardless of operational parameters.