The Bar Human Rights Committee invites you to join us for our upcoming virtual panel event, ‘AI & The Rules of War’, which will be held on Zoom on 26 November 2026, from 4-5:30 pm (UK time). This event will be chaired by Rachel Barnes KC, BHRC Executive Committee with an Opening Keynote by Sir Daniel Bethlehem KCMG KC, Twenty Essex.
This virtual panel will examine how AI technologies are being developed and deployed in contexts of war, occupation, counterterrorism and national security, and what this means for accountability, civilian protection and legal oversight. As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly embedded in military decision-making, surveillance, intelligence-gathering and conflict operations, urgent questions arise about its implications for human rights, the rule of law and the existing framework of international law. Bringing together experts in international human rights law, international humanitarian law, technology and national security, the discussion will consider the legal and ethical challenges posed by autonomous and AI-assisted weapons systems, predictive analytics, biometric surveillance, targeting tools and intelligence platforms. Panellists will explore whether current legal frameworks are adequate to regulate these technologies; how proportionality, necessity, non-discrimination and human dignity apply; and where gaps in governance may be emerging. The event will also address the role of states, international organisations, technology companies and civil society in ensuring responsible development and deployment of AI in armed conflict; and how law can protect civilians and preserve accountability in an era of rapidly evolving military technology.
Panel Speakers:
Nighat Dad, Founder of the Digital Rights Foundation, Pakistan
Dr Elke Schwarz, Professor of Political Theory, Queen Mary University of London
Jeffrey Sizemore, Executive Director, Mass Atrocities Prevention Program
Ilia Siatitsa, Programme Director & Senior Legal Officer at Privacy International
