Chair,
Space-based systems are indispensable for communications, positioning, navigation and timing, situational awareness, and more. Therefore, it remains essential to maintain outer space as a peaceful, safe, stable, secure and sustainable environment for the benefit of all.
All states must remain committed to the peaceful exploration and use of outer space and refrain from conducting activities contrary to their obligations under international law. That includes activities that could threaten the ability of states to freely use and explore outer space, now and in the future.
The Outer Space Treaty is the cornerstone of the legal regime that governs activities in outer space. As a co-sponsor of the resolution on weapons of mass destruction in outer space, Norway calls on all states to fully comply with the Outer Space Treaty, including its obligation not to place in orbit any objects carrying nuclear weapons or any other kinds of weapons of mass destruction. Weapons of mass destruction for use in space, and the means of delivery for such weapons, should not be developed in the first place.
Preventing an arms race in outer space (PAROS) is of utmost importance. This committee has a role to play. To this end, Norway reiterates the importance of addressing space threats through norms, rules and principles of responsible behaviour. We support moving forward with a merged open ended working group with the behaviour-based approach adequately integrated in its mandate. This approach continues to offer a way forward towards a legally binding instrument, political commitments or both. Form should follow function. Threat reduction should be our primary objective. Behaviours that reduce threats, reduce the incentive to race for arms.
It is also important to Norway that states recognize the important and growing interests of non-governmental actors with regards to space activities. The efforts on space security and the prevention of an arms race made by this committee, and its working groups, should adopt a multi-stakeholder approach, with the attendance of international organisations, commercial actors and civil society representatives.
Chair,
It has long been agreed among states that international law, including the UN Charter, applies to the conduct of states in outer space. This, of course, includes international humanitarian law. Recognizing its applicability is not to legitimize the use of force in outer space, nor its militarization or weaponization. The UN charter obligates states to refrain from the threat or use of force against another state. The applicability of international humanitarian law does not diminish this obligation either in space or on Earth.
The Hague Code of Conduct against ballistic missile proliferation is one important transparency and confidence-building measure. Norway strongly supports the universalization of the code. We call on its subscribers to implement its provisions and provide pre-launch notifications.
Chair,
As the importance of outer space continues to increase, so too does the importance of maintaining its security. Norway remains a steadfast proponent of seeking multilateral solutions to global challenges, including for a more secure outer space environment. There is a growing risk related to outer space security that states should resolve to manage together.
Thank you