In a statement delivered by its Chairman, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Morocco in Vienna, Azzeddine Farhane, during the 61st session of the Legal Subcommittee of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS, March 28 to April 8), the Group stressed that the use and exploration of outer space must be carried out exclusively for peaceful purposes, for the benefit and in the interest of all countries, regardless of their level of economic or scientific development, and in accordance with international law.
In this regard, he reaffirmed “his strict adherence to the principles governing the activities of States in the exploration and use of outer space”, in particular universal and equal access to space for all countries without discrimination, the principle of non-appropriation of outer space, as well as the non-militarization of outer space.
It also concerns international cooperation in the development of space activities, in particular in the exploration and use of outer space, for the benefit and in the interest of all States, taking into account in particular the needs of developing countries.
While noting that developing countries are increasingly engaging in space activities and in discussions on COPUOS, the Group noted that while several member States of this group have taken important steps in space activities, others are only beginning to include them in their national programmes.
He said he therefore recognized “the potential, importance and impact of space activities in achieving the sustainable development goals by 2030, including through the “Space 2030” program.
The Group stressed, in this regard, the imperative to intensify efforts so that the benefits of space activities can be extended to all States, stressing the need to promote broader participation of developing countries.
He further stressed the need for COPUOS to devote more efforts to capacity-building in space law and policy and to make the required expertise available to developing countries.
On the other hand, the Group considered that COPUOS, with its two subcommittees, is the only United Nations forum to comprehensively discuss all issues related to the peaceful uses of outer space, including the moon and other celestial bodies.
He therefore recommended greater interaction between the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee and the Legal Subcommittee in order to promote progress in space law, so that it is aligned with major scientific and technical advances in space activities.
For the Group, such coordination and synergies between the two subcommittees can also promote better understanding, acceptance and implementation of existing United Nations legal instruments.
The Group further stressed the importance of preventing an arms race and the deployment of weapons of any kind in outer space, while calling on all States, particularly those with significant space capabilities, to actively contribute and commit to preserving outer space as a peaceful environment.
2024-08-23 08:52:22