Integrating Human Rights and Emerging Technologies in Defence Capabilities: A Framework for Ethical Resilience

As the global security landscape becomes increasingly complex and unpredictable, the need for robust defence capabilities that are both effective and ethically sound is paramount. This paper explores the intersection of human rights, emerging technologies, and defence capabilities, arguing that future military strategies must integrate ethical considerations to ensure resilience in an uncertain future. The rapid advancement of technologies such as artificial intelligence, cyber capabilities, and autonomous systems presents both opportunities and challenges for national security. While these technologies can enhance operational effectiveness, they also raise significant ethical concerns regarding privacy, accountability, and the potential for misuse. Among these, lethal autonomous weapon systems represent a particularly contentious area, as they challenge established norms of human control and responsibility in armed conflict. This paper proposes a framework for building defence capabilities that prioritize human rights and ethical standards, aiming to mitigate the risk that technological advancements may erode fundamental freedoms. The discussion will focus on three key areas: what capabilities should be built, who will build them, and how they will be built. It will advocate for a collaborative approach involving governments, international organisations, and civil society to develop guidelines and best practices that align defence strategies with human rights principles. By fostering a culture of ethical resilience, this paper aims to contribute to the discourse on sustainable defence capabilities that not only address immediate security needs but also uphold the values of democracy and human dignity in an increasingly volatile world.