Holy See urges security and
sustainability in outer space
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| Space Exploration (ANSA) |
Archbishop Bernardito Auza, the Holy See’s Permanent
Observer to the United Nations in New York, on 29 October addressed a UN meeting
on the prevention of arms race in outer space.
By Robin Gomes
The Holy See is urging support for security and
sustainability in outer space, ensuring it is free from weapons of any sort. It
is also calling for reinforcing weapons disarmament agreements on
Earth.
Outer space cooperation and peaceful activities
Recalling the Outer Space Treaty of 1967, Archbishop Auza on
Tuesday reminded states parties of their commitment to be guided by the
principle of co-operation and mutual assistance and to conduct all their
activities in outer space, including the moon and other celestial bodies, with
due regard for the corresponding interests of all other states parties.
The Filipino archbishop said that while it is categorically
prohibited to orbit or station nuclear weapons or other weapons of mass
destruction on celestial bodies or elsewhere in outer space, it is also
inconsistent with the principle of cooperation and mutual assistance in
peaceful outer space activities, to attack satellites in any way or by
launching weapons from outer space on Earth.
The continued and increasing reliance on outer space
platforms that support communications, navigation, position finding and the
daily commerce of activities here on Earth, the Holy See diplomat said, points to
the importance of supporting the security, efficiency and sustainability of
such platforms.
Hence, attacking, intercepting or interfering with the
proper functions of these space platforms should be prohibited. The Holy See
official also denounced military activities that create debris that threatens
other space objects.
Little progress in space security
Archbishop Auza lamented little progress made in space
security and sustainability and particularly urged for breaking the impasse
regarding the UN Disarmament Commission.
Noting that there are no negotiations on outer space within
the context of the Conference on Disarmament, he urged member states to restart
the negotiating process. He noted that the prevention of an arms competition in
outer space is on the agenda of the Conference.
Underscoring the importance of internationally operated
platforms to verify agreements for monitoring outer space and the Earth, he
said, such developments can provide substantial support to space security and
sustainability. They can also help maintain space free from weapons of any sort
and ensure the viability of disarmament agreements on weapons on Earth.
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