More than 200 civil society organizations, human rights advocates, and policy groups have issued a joint warning that the growing use of artificial intelligence in military operations is undermining critical protections embedded in international humanitarian law. The coalition called for an immediate halt to the use of AI systems in military “kill chains,” arguing that AI-driven targeting technologies are accelerating warfare in ways that increase the risk of unlawful killings and civilian harm.
According to the statement, AI-enabled military systems can dramatically increase the speed and scale of combat decisions, making it more difficult to uphold fundamental principles such as distinction, proportionality, and precaution. These principles require armed forces to distinguish between civilians and combatants, avoid excessive civilian harm, and take steps to minimize casualties. The coalition argues that AI-assisted targeting systems may weaken these safeguards by encouraging faster decision-making and reducing meaningful human deliberation.
A major focus of the declaration is skepticism toward so-called “human-in-the-loop” safeguards. The signatories contend that while many military AI systems technically require human approval before lethal action is taken, the speed and complexity of AI-generated recommendations can turn human oversight into little more than a rubber stamp. In their view, the presence of a human operator does not automatically guarantee accountability or compliance with international law when AI systems are driving the underlying decisions.
The warning comes amid growing international debate over military AI governance. Discussions are currently taking place at the United Nations and other international forums about whether existing legal frameworks are sufficient to address autonomous and AI-assisted weapons. Human rights organizations and legal experts are increasingly calling for new international rules, including limits on autonomous targeting systems, stronger transparency requirements, and safeguards to ensure meaningful human control over the use of force.
The coalition’s statement reflects a broader global movement seeking stricter oversight of military AI before the technology becomes deeply embedded in armed conflicts. Religious leaders, humanitarian organizations, legal scholars, and civil society groups have all raised concerns that unchecked AI deployment could make warfare more rapid, less accountable, and more difficult to regulate. As governments race to adopt AI-powered military capabilities, pressure is mounting for international agreements that balance technological innovation with humanitarian protections.
