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EU proposal for an international Space Code of Conduct, Draft

31.03.2014
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International Code of Conduct for Outer Space Activities - Version 31 March 2014, Draft

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Introduction to document:

1 • In order to safeguard the continued peaceful and sustainable use of outer space for current and future generations, and in a spirit of greater international cooperation, collaboration, openness and transparency;

2 • Considering that the activities of exploration and use of outer space for peaceful purposes play a key role in the social, economic, scientific and technological development of all nations, in the management of global issues such as the preservation of the environment and disaster management;

3 • Further recognising that space activities and capabilities, including associated ground and space segments and supporting links, are vital to national security and to the maintenance of international peace and security;

4 • Noting that all States, both space-faring and non-spacefaring, should actively contribute to the promotion and strengthening of international cooperation relating to these activities;

5 • Recognising the need for the widest possible adherence to relevant existing international instruments that promote the peaceful exploration and use of outer space;

6 • Noting the importance of preventing an arms race in outer space;

7 • Recalling the increasing importance of outer space transparency and confidence- 2 building measures in light of the growing use of outer space by governmental and non-governmental entities;

8 • Taking into account that space debris affects the sustainable use of outer space, constitutes a hazard to outer space activities and potentially limits the effective deployment and utilisation of associated outer space capabilities;

9 • Recognizing it is in the shared interest of all States to reinforce international norms for responsible behaviour in outer space;

10 • Convinced that a multilateral code of conduct aimed at enhancing the safety, security, and sustainability of outer space activities could become a useful complement to international law as it applies to outer space, as recommended by the Report of Group of Governmental Experts on Transparency and ConfidenceBuilding Measures in Outer Space Activities established in response to the UN General Assembly Resolution 65/68;

11 • Considering that spacefaring States have acquired knowledge regarding general practices to enhance the safety, security and sustainability of outer space activities that could usefully be made available to other Subscribing States, for the benefit of all;

12 • Reaffirming existing commitments to resolve any dispute concerning activities in outer space by peaceful means;

13 • Recognising the necessity of a comprehensive approach to safety, security, and sustainability in outer space;

14 • Reaffirming their commitment to the Charter of the United Nations;

15 • Without prejudice to ongoing and future work in other appropriate international fora relevant to the peaceful exploration and use of outer space such as the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space and the Conference on Disarmament;

16 • Subscribe to the following International Code of Conduct for Outer Space Activities

Document category
Strategies
Topics
Disarmament, Non-Proliferation, and Arms Export Control
Editorial sections
Disarmament, Non-Proliferation, and Arms Export Control