POSITION PAPER

Name: Saamarth Dorman

Committee: United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC)
Agenda: Addressing War Crimes and the Use of Autonomous Machines in Warfare
Portfolio: Japan
Institution: The Millennium School, Lucknow
Statement of the Problems
 The emergence of war crimes and the growing deployment of autonomous
weapons systems provide a serious challenge to the modern world. To defend
human rights and stop tragedies in the future, Japan stands firm in addressing
issues through strict adherence to international laws and ethical standards,
ensuring the protection of human rights and the prevention of future atrocities.

 The current global landscape highlights the urgent need to address war crimes,
characterized by willful killings, torture, inhumane treatment, and unlawful
deportations, among others. Japan’s experience with the repercussions of war has
reinforced its commitment to upholding international humanitarian law (IHL). The
country's historical context and extensive efforts in reconciliation have shaped its
proactive stance in international forums, including the UNHRC.

 The development of autonomous weaponry, also referred to as "killer robots,"

presents further moral and legal challenges. These technologies risk undermining
accountability in warfare and may lead to unforeseen consequences that
jeopardize civilian lives and human rights. The rapid development and deployment
of such technologies necessitate urgent international dialogue and robust
regulatory frameworks.
Policies of Japan
Japan has consistently demonstrated its commitment to peace, security, and
human rights internationally. This commitment is reflected in several key
areas:
 War Crimes Accountability: Japan has issued numerous apology
statements for its actions during World War II, emphasizing remorse and the
importance of historical reconciliation. Notable statements include those by
Emperor Hirohito and Prime Ministers like Tomiichi Murayama and Shinzo Abe,
acknowledging past atrocities and committing to a path of peace.

 International Collaboration: Japan actively participates in global

efforts to prevent war crimes and promote human rights. It is a signatory to
various international treaties and conventions, such as the Rome Statute of the
International Criminal Court (ICC), which aims to hold individuals accountable for
war crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity.

 Humanitarian Aid and Peacekeeping: Japan contributes

significantly to UN peacekeeping missions and humanitarian aid programs,
particularly in conflict zones. It supports initiatives that aim to stabilize regions
affected by war and assist victims of conflict, including refugees and internally
displaced persons.

 Technological Regulation: Recognizing the potential risks posed by

autonomous weapons, Japan advocates for establishing international norms and
regulations governing their use. Japan supports the development of frameworks
that ensure such technologies are used in compliance with IHL and do not
undermine human accountability.
Programs and Events
Japan has implemented several programs and conducted events that
underscore its active role in addressing war crimes and promoting human
rights:

 Educational Initiatives: Japan has launched various educational

programs aimed at raising awareness about the importance of peace and human
rights. These programs often involve collaborations with international
organizations and focus on educating younger generations about the
consequences of war and the need for global cooperation. For instance, Japan
collaborates with UNESCO in educational projects that teach students about the
horrors of war and the importance of peacebuilding.

 International Forums: Japan regularly hosts and participates in

international forums and conferences dedicated to discussing war crimes, human
rights, and the ethical implications of emerging technologies in warfare. For
example, Japan has been an active participant in the "Review Conference of the
Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT)," where it
advocates for disarmament and strict control over emerging military technologies.
These platforms facilitate dialogue among nations and contribute to the
development of cohesive strategies to address these issues.

 Bilateral and Multilateral Agreements: Japan has established

agreements with other countries to enhance cooperation in combating war crimes
and regulating autonomous weapons the "Tokyo Global Dialogue," organized by
the Japan Institute of International Affairs, brings together international experts
and policymakers to discuss the regulation of autonomous weapons. These
agreements often include provisions for information sharing, joint training
programs, and collaborative research efforts to improve regulatory frameworks
and enforcement mechanisms.
Recommendations
Japan proposes the following measures to address the issues of war crimes
and the use of autonomous machines in warfare:
 Strengthen International Legal Frameworks: Enhance the
enforcement of existing international laws and develop new regulations to address
the specific challenges posed by autonomous weapons. This includes promoting
the adoption of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) and supporting the ICC’s efforts to
prosecute individuals responsible for war crimes.

 Promote Accountability and Transparency: Encourage

nations to adopt transparent mechanisms for investigating and prosecuting war
crimes. Establish international monitoring bodies to oversee the use of
autonomous weapons and ensure compliance with IHL.

 Foster International Collaboration: Strengthen partnerships

between countries, international organizations, and civil society to address war
crimes and the ethical implications of autonomous weapons. This includes
increasing support for UN peacekeeping missions and humanitarian aid programs.

 Invest in Education and Awareness: Launch global educational

campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of human rights, the risks
associated with autonomous weapons, and the need for robust international
regulations. Promote the inclusion of these topics in educational curricula
worldwide.

 Develop Ethical Guidelines for Emerging Technologies:

Japan calls for collaboration with technological experts and ethicists to create
comprehensive guidelines for the development and use of autonomous weapons.
Ensuring that these guidelines prioritize human rights and the principles of IHL is
imperative.
Conclusion
Japan remains committed to addressing the epidemic of war crimes and the
ethical implications of autonomous weapons. Through strengthening
international legal frameworks, promoting accountability and transparency,
fostering international collaboration, investing in education and awareness,
and developing ethical guidelines for emerging technologies, Japan aims to
uphold human rights and ensure compliance with international humanitarian
law. Japan looks forward to working with the international community to
advance these goals and create a safer, more just world.

Japan's Delegate looks forward to engaging with other member states during the UNHRC
sessions to advance these recommendations and work collectively towards a world where war
crimes are eradicated and emerging technologies in warfare are governed by ethical and legal
standards that protect human life and dignity.