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A resolution on Autonomous Weapons Systems (AWS) will be tabled at the First Committee of the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in October 2023. The resolution requests the United Nations Secretary-General to seek the views of states and stakeholders on addressing the legal, ethical, humanitarian, and security risks posed by AWS. These are brief answers to some frequently asked questions on the issue.

The First Committee session of the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly(UNGA) in October 2023 provides a crucial opportunity for progress. After 10 years of international discussions without concrete outcomes within the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW), a resolution will be tabled at the First Committee calling for the United Nations Secretary-General to seek the views of all states and stakeholders regarding recommendations for a way forward. This brief sets out 5 reasons why states should support it.