DYB2011-Part-II-web

Related issues, including information and outreach
presidency of Pedro Oyarce 26 and on 31 March under the guidance of Luiz
Filipe de Macedo Soares (Brazil), the coordinator 27 of the item.
Many delegations highlighted the growing global dependence on space
technologies and the importance of keeping outer space safe for peaceful
activities. They discussed the increase of space debris, the growing possibility
of satellite collisions and the development of space-related weapon technology
that threatens outer space security.
Delegations believed that outer space should be used solely for peaceful
purposes and for the benefit of all States and should not become an arena for
competitive strategic policies. Some referred to outer space as a common
heritage of humankind. Most member States expressed fear that the placement
of weapons in outer space could deepen global insecurity, affecting all
countries.
There was a general recognition that current international instruments
were not sufficient to prevent an arms race in outer space. Many delegations
maintained that a specific international legal instrument was needed to
strengthen or complement existing regimes.
Since different organizations were regulating the use of outer space,
member States stressed the importance of compatibility among instruments
and coordination between the CD and other bodies, such as the Committee
on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, the International Telecommunications
Union and the United Nations General Assembly. Cooperation and exchange
of information among these bodies was emphasized.
Many member States of the CD believed PAROS to be an issue falling
within the Conference’s thematic competence and hence was a topic that it
could legitimately consider. In this regard, most delegations reiterated their
support for a programme of work of the CD that would initiate negotiations or
substantive discussions on PAROS.
United Nations Disarmament Commission, 2011
The United Nations Disarmament Commission (UNDC) met at United
Nations Headquarters from 4 to 21 April, under the chairmanship of Hamid
Al-Bayati (Iraq). During the course of its annual session, it held eight plenary
meetings. 28 In accordance with the past practice of the Commission, interested
non-governmental organizations attended the plenary meetings.
On 4 and 5 April, the UNDC held a general exchange of views on all
agenda items, 29 which included the following subjects: “Recommendations
for achieving the objective of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation of
26 CD/PV.1214.
27 CD/1907 and CD/1918.
28 A/CN.10/PV.310-317.
29 A/CN.10/PV.310-313.
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