DEBATING OUTER SPACE COOPERATION, FOURTH COMMITTEE HEARS GROWING NUMBER OF ACTORS IN OUTER SPACE COULD RISK SECURITY OF SPACE ASSETS, LIMIT SCOPE OF PEACEFUL USES Space-Based Information Crucial in Tackling Enduring Challenges Facing Small Island Developing States, Committee Told

November 5, 2009 at 10:05 am | Posted in Space Law, Space Law Current Events | Leave a comment

by Joanne Irene Gabrynowicz with the blog faculty

Source: U.N. General Assembly

Sixty-fourth General Assembly

Fourth Committee

13^th Meeting (PM)

While space technology was indispensable in addressing issues related to sustainable development and disaster management, the international community must work together for its harmonious use and prevent the militarization of outer space, delegates stressed today, as the Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization) continued its consideration of international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space.

Highlighting the many ways in which space technology had proven essential, not only for exploring outer space, but also for addressing many of the global challenges facing the world today, the representative of Sweden, speaking on behalf of the European Union, said that the growing number of actors in outer space could risk the security of space assets.  While additional legally binding multilateral commitments had been proposed against military threats, finding ways of making progress in the short term, and against all types of threats, was essential.  Voluntary confidence- and transparency-building measures would allow relatively rapid adherence by a large number of countries, and could bring effective security benefits, he said.

Agreeing that outer space should only be promoted for peaceful purposes, Pakistan’s representative expressed concern that space, as a “common heritage of mankind”, was under threat of weaponization and an arms race.  The insistence by States with major space capabilities on incorporating the use of outer space in respective military doctrines was a dangerous trend, which would limit the scope and progress on peaceful uses of outer space, as well as jeopardize common security.  Confidence-building and greater transparency were needed in the space activities undertaken by various States, and negotiation of a comprehensive convention would contribute towards that goal.  More…