Speakers Raise Concerns about Draft Text on Peace and Space Technology as Fourth Committee Resumes Debate on Outer Space Issues
The Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization) resumed its general debate on international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space, with some speakers expressing concern about a draft resolution titled “Space technology for promoting peace” (document A/C.4/78/L.5), which is being put forward by the Russian Federation.
Canada’s representative, also speaking also on behalf of Australia and New Zealand, said that the Russian Federation violated the consensus procedure by introducing a resolution to the Committee without its first being discussed by the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space. Abandoning the consensus approach will do irreparable harm to the Outer Space Committee, she warned.
Switzerland’s delegate, in the same vein, said that the Russian Federation did not follow the consensual processes and requested that the text be revised.
The Russian Federation’s representative, speaking in exercise of the right of reply, countered that Western countries have decided collectively to use civilian space systems for military purposes and confrontations. They cannot acknowledge the political importance of using such systems to promote peace, but instead criticize his delegation’s text, he said.
The United States’ representative cautioned that Member States should not discuss matters beyond the Fourth Committee’s mandate. “We have achieved so much in this Committee, not through brinksmanship or voting, but through consensus,” she said.
Other speakers highlighted their countries’ accomplishments in space exploration and emphasized the importance of international cooperation, including in the Outer Space Committee. Several argued that the growing number of space actors should prompt stronger outer space regulations.
India’s representative highlighted his country’s most recent successes in space — the successful landing of the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft near the Moon's south pole and the launch of the Aditya L1 solar observatory mission, which will enhance understanding of solar activities.
China’s delegate said that order in outer space should be maintained through the framework of the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies, also known as the Outer Space Treaty, regardless of how space activities may evolve or whether they are conducted by governmental or non-governmental entities.
The Fourth Committee will reconvene at 10 a.m. on Friday, 27 October, to conclude its general debate on international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space and to take action on related draft resolutions.
https://press.un.org/en/2023/gaspd789.doc.htm
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