Fourth Committee Approves Two Resolutions, Two Decisions on Outer Space, Including Texts to Appoint Latvia, Djibouti to Committee on Realm
The Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization) concluded its general debate on international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space today with the approval of two resolutions and two decisions, appointing Latvia and Djibouti to the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space.
Among texts brought to a vote was a draft decision to appoint Latvia to the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (document A/C.4/79/L.11), which was approved by a recorded vote of 116 votes in favour to 5 against (Belarus, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Nicaragua, Russian Federation, Syria), with 9 abstentions (Bangladesh, China, India, Iran, Mali, Mozambique, Nepal, Uganda, Zimbabwe). The representative of Latvia said the decision represents a significant opportunity for his country to contribute to the peaceful exploration and sustainable use of outer space. “Latvia is honoured to join hands in the shared vision to advance discussions on the peaceful, secure and sustainable use of this unique environment,” he said.
The representative of the Netherlands, noting Latvia’s keen interest in the work of the Space Committee and its involvement in space-related activities at the European level, stressed that the European Union and its member States strongly supported the country’s membership application. Prior to its approval, the Committee voted on a motion put forward by the Russian Federation to take no action on the decision. That country’s delegate, noting the need to preserve the Space Committee’s consensus tradition, said there was no consensus within it on appointing Latvia as a member.
The representatives of China, Syria and Iran voiced support for the motion put forward by the Russian Federation, stressing the need to ensure respect for the Space Committee’s procedures.
However, Micronesia’s delegate said drafts should be considered on their own merits and not based on procedures. Similarly, the representative of Canada, noting that his country will vote against the no-action motion, said Latvia is actively involved in space-related activities at the international level. Pointing to the cross-regional support of Member States who co-sponsored the draft decision, he said Latvia will bring its expertise, commitment and constructive engagement for enhancing international cooperation, scientific research and the development of space technologies to the Space Committee.
The motion was rejected by a recorded vote of 75 against to 11 in favour, with 30 abstentions.
After the approval of “L.11”, Iran’s delegate, expressing concern about the lack of consensus, said any decision for membership to such a critical committee should not be subjected to a politicized approach that creates loopholes in existing procedures. Along similar lines, China’s delegate said that, while as many countries as possible should participate in the Space Committee, it is inappropriate to exceed the Committee’s authority when it comes to membership decisions.
The Russian Federation’s delegate noted that his country usually supports new applications from countries regardless of their political convictions and level of economic or technological development. He voiced regret that Latvia will participate in the Outer Space Committee with a politicized application, which his country considers “an attack on one of the founders of this authoritative body of the UN”. “We do not think this is acceptable,” he stressed.
The Committee also approved without a vote a second draft decision on “Increase in the membership of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space” (document A/C.4/79/L.10), by which Djibouti would become a new member of the Outer Space Committee.
Speaking after the approval, Djibouti’s delegate noted that, given increased risk of flooding along her country’s coast, it is focusing on efforts to address such disasters. Membership in the Space Committee will enable Djibouti to strengthen its scientific and technological research, she said.
Also approved without a vote was a text on “International cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space” (document A/C.4/79/L.9), by which the Assembly would urge Member States, in particular those with major space capabilities, to contribute to preventing an arms race in outer space. By further terms, it would urge Member States that have not yet become parties to international treaties governing the uses of outer space to consider ratifying or acceding to them, and Member States that are not yet members of the Space Committee to consider applying for membership.
Acting without a recorded vote, the Committee also approved a draft resolution on “International Year of Asteroid Awareness and Planetary Defence, 2029” (document A/C.4/79/L.6). By its terms, the Assembly would decide to declare 2029 the International Year of Asteroid Awareness and Planetary Defence to take advantage of the close approach of 99942 Apophis in 2029 for a worldwide campaign to raise awareness regarding asteroids.
Introducing those texts, the representative of Egypt noted that the Working Group of the Whole on International Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space considered both draft resolutions — “L.6” and “L.9” — and agreed on them.
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