Parliament emphasises international security at international gathering
Members of the multi-party delegation at the 148th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Geneva, Switzerland, presented Parliament’s proposed amendments to the draft resolutions which were considered by the IPU’s Standing Committees on Peace and International Security and the Sustainable Development on Sunday.
This as the draft resolution on the social humanitarian impact of autonomous weapon systems and artificial intelligence is intended to address the implications of developing autonomous weapons that can function without human intervention, highlighting the risks and consequences, especially from social and humanitarian perspectives.
Parliament's participation in the Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly is led by deputy chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Doris Dlakude.
She has stepped into the role after Speaker of the National Assembly, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, pulled out of leading the delegation.
Mapisa-Nqakula is expected in the High Court in Pretoria today where is seeking an interdict against her arrest on charges of corruption.
"The risks and consequences stemming from the proliferation of such advanced technologies have the potential to unleash profound social and humanitarian implications, and it is our responsibility as parliamentarians to address these critical challenges proactively," said Dlakude.
The South African Parliamentary proposals are said to enhance and strengthen the draft resolution by proposing the inclusion of armed conflicts and the prohibition of lethal autonomous weapon systems targeting humans directly.
The proposal also stresses the responsibility of parliaments and parliamentarians in overseeing the development, acquisition, and use of lethal autonomous weapons.
The submission further proposes that parliaments urge governments to establish robust frameworks for data protection to govern the development, deployment, and use of lethal autonomous weapons, safeguard sensitive data, and ensure ethical and responsible use of information in autonomous weapon systems.
Parliament’s submission also proposes for parliaments to establish effective mechanisms to conduct investigations, prosecution, and punishment for violations arising from the use of weapons with autonomous functionalities.
Dlakude added that the advent of lethal autonomous weapons systems represents a monumental shift in warfare that demands the immediate attention of parliamentarians.
"The absence of human intervention in decision-making processes poses a fundamental threat to the ethical and legal standards that underpin the principles of warfare. It is imperative for us to recognise that these systems have the potential to disrupt the delicate balance in conflict settings, posing considerable risks to civilian populations and global stability.
"We have a responsibility to ensure that appropriate regulatory frameworks are in place, reflecting our commitment to ethical and legal principles, and safeguarding the well-being of individuals and communities affected by the deployment of these advanced technologies.
"By supporting this resolution, we take a crucial step towards advancing a robust and proactive approach to governing the development and use of these technologies. It underscores our commitment to understanding and addressing the complex societal and humanitarian implications of autonomous weapons, ultimately amplifying the ethical considerations governing the use of force in armed conflicts."
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