Canada implements a permanent national legal review of all of its weapons systems.
Canada fully complies with Article 36 of Additional Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions, which requires states to determine whether new weapons, means or methods of warfare may be employed lawfully under international law. In other words, in the study, development, acquisition or adoption of a new weapon, means or method of warfare, Canada determines whether its employment would, in some or all circumstances, be prohibited by IHL.
Canada sees merit in exploring information sharing options to improve the CCW High Contracting Parties’ collective understanding of legal weapons reviews, in order to ensure that all weapons systems used comply with IHL. We believe this can contribute to the effective implementation of Guiding Principle E and to addressing the potential humanitarian and international security challenges posed by emerging technologies in the area of autonomous weapons systems.
