Australia supports the inclusion of Paragraphs 1 to 4 in this box which addresses the legal review of LAWS to ensure compliance with international humanitarian law. We believe strengthening compliance with existing IHL including through Article 36 legal reviews is the most effective way to increase confidence and to manage legal risks that are associated with this new type of weapon system. This GGE has also recognised over a number of years the value of the exchange of relevant best practice in undertaking legal reviews. In this respect Australia has been pleased to host expert meetings on the legal reviews over the last two years. I would note that the third expert meeting on the legal review of autonomous weapon systems is scheduled to occur next week here on Monday and Tuesday at the Palais. Whilst we have been very pleased with the positive response we can still welcome attendance and active engagement by delegations and are very happy to provide further information about next week’s meeting if necessary.
Statement by Australia (GGE LAWS, 5 March 2025, morning)
