Please find audio by the leader of the Parliamentary delegation, Ms Sylvia Lucas: https://iono.fm/e/1418775
Geneva, Saturday, 23 March 2024 – During the first day of the 148th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Geneva, Ms Sylvia Lucas, head of the South African multi-party parliamentary delegation, addressed the pressing issue of autonomous weapon systems and artificial intelligence in the context of social and humanitarian impacts. Her address was made during the session of the Forum of Women Parliamentarians, which is one of the significant components of the Assembly's agenda.
The Forum, known for its influential role in shaping gender-focused policies, has previously discussed critical matters at its sessions held in Luanda on October 23, 2023, and Geneva on March 23, 2024. This includes deliberations by the Bureau of Women Parliamentarians and recommendations from the Gender Partnership Group, both instrumental in the IPU's ongoing efforts to promote gender equality.
In her address, Ms Lucas stressed the importance of incorporating a gender perspective in the approach towards building autonomous weapon systems. Noting the disproportionate impact of armed conflicts on women and girls, she expressed concerns that such technologies could worsen the vulnerabilities of women and their communities: “It's essential to understand how these technologies intersect with existing gender dynamics, potentially magnifying existing challenges faced by women, girls, and marginalised groups in conflict-affected areas.”
Ms Lucas called for the integration of gender considerations into discussions and the formulation of potential regulatory frameworks concerning autonomous weapon systems: “By integrating a gender perspective into our discussions and potential regulatory frameworks on autonomous weapon systems, we can better account for the specific needs and vulnerabilities of women, ensuring that our approaches to technology and conflict resolution are inclusive and effective.”
Ms Lucas said, acknowledging the unique risks autonomous weapon systems pose to women and marginalised communities in conflict zones is paramount. She encouraged Parliaments worldwide to actively advocate for gender-based impact assessments in the development and deployment of these systems. “Equally important is ensuring women's meaningful participation in decision-making processes regarding these technologies, as their insights are essential in understanding the technology's impact, particularly in conflict settings,” she said.
She added: “South African Parliament is advancing towards formulating a more comprehensive and equitable resolution to the social and humanitarian challenges posed by autonomous weapon systems, thereby fostering a safer and more inclusive environment for all those affected by armed conflict.”
IPU is the global organisation of national parliaments with its slogan: “For democracy. For everyone”, it aims to promote democratic governance, institutions and values, working with parliaments and parliamentarians to articulate and respond more effectively to the needs and aspirations of the people.
For interviews with the leader of the Parliamentary delegation, Ms Sylvia Lucas, please contact Malentsoe Magwagwa (Ms) via Whatsapp on 081 716 5824 or email: mmagwagwa@parliament.gov.za
ISSUED BY PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
ENQUIRIES: Moloto Mothapo (Mr)
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