Article 36 Legal is proud to announce that it will establish a multi-disciplinary, Independent Advisory Board for Article 36 Legal Reviews.

The Advisory Board, consisting of experts in law, technology, military operations, ethics and human-factors, will create a new international mechanism to strengthen the transparency, consistency and technical robustness of national legal review processes.

With the rapid development of new technology weapons, including autonomous weapon systems, Article 36 reviews are increasingly essential to ensuring compliance with international law. Yet, national processes are often fragmented, inconsistent, opaque and sometimes ill-equipped to address the challenges presented by emerging and autonomous military technologies.

The Independent Advisory Board will aim to close this gap by helping States to develop:

• standardised review criteria for assessing weapon predictability, reliability, human control, and accountability risks;

• providing confidential expert advice to States and industry on complex or novel systems, while safeguarding national security;

• foster transparency and shared learning through a repository of unclassified legal review guidance, model checklists, sample decisions and annual reports; and

• bridge law and design by integrating responsible innovation principles throughout the weapon’s life cycle.