Proceedings of the Workshop - United Nations Office for Outer ...

EXISTING UNITED NATIONS TREATIES: STRENGTHS AND NEEDS 29In reference to the Moon Agreement, it can befound some gaps and non-definite terms , as the’’common benefit of Mankind”, considered now as its”heritage”. The Law of the Sea negotiations, with its1994 Protocol could be taken as an example.Through the debate of the five space treaties in theLegal Subcommittee, the principles in force could bedeveloped; filling the gaps and the present conflicts thatconducted to the standstill situation. The present stateof space industry requires more precise rules. Theexisting treaties and principles have often a very genericcharacter.This growing evolution of space science andtechnology, supports the idea of the need of creating aninternational space organisation. The COPUOS, as thesole body that treats space issues in a global way, is notenough, due to its membership (61 members), to itsnon-permanent character, and to the scarce resourcesassigned. That organisation would have mainly the taskof controlling the compliance of space norms in forceand of preserving the use of space environment so as toavoid its contamination.While this does not occur, it should bestrengthened the role of COPUOS for two reasons: firstof all, to continue with its work of elaborating the rulesof Space Law and secondly, because it is the maincentre of coordination of International Cooperation inthese issues.States have reaffirmed their will of internationalcooperation by approving UNGA Resolution 52/122,The political context has changed. The Cold War isover, and there exist cooperation links betweendeveloped countries (for instance in the InternationalSpace Station) and between developing countries.Developing countries have serious difficulties toparticipate in the use of space technology and to haveaccess to it. Among other reasons, because the pricesthey must pay are too high or their lack of confidence intheir own scientific and technical capacities. That iswhy training of human resources must be considered asan essential target. But, through cooperation, theseobstacles may be overcome.The countries of the American continent, throughthe Space Conferences of the Americas, have looked forcooperation mechanisms for certain projects that implythe use of space technology; despite they have notreached the expected success.There are certain areas where cooperation maybring major benefits: the monitoring of spaceenvironment and the prevention of natural disasters.That is why we consider that the action in these areasmust be strengthened.There exist misinformation in many countries aboutthe benefits brought by space technology. It isnecessary that decision-makers of each country becomeaware of the fact that it is necessary to participate in thedevelopment of space technology. It is desirable toreach multilateral consensus about space objectives andto achieve agreements at the highest decision level.International cooperation should be promoted byattending, participating and giving opinions at thespecialised fora such as COPUOS.Uruguay is member of the Committee since 1981and has supported its work in the sense of deepeningand adhering to the legal regime in force, having alwaysin mind the basic concept of the Common Heritage ofMankind.Cooperation must be practised among all countries,developed and developing, and, in fact, must bematerialised through the active participation in theelaboration of Space Law and in the ratification of thelegal instruments in force.ConclusionSpace activities are developed by a selected group ofstates. Developing countries that mostly do notparticipate in space activities must strengthen theirtechnological capacity and, through “internationalcooperation” must take advantage of the availablemeans at the regional level, according to universalobjectives and efforts. They should also become awareof the real and practical possibilities offered by theSpace Age. They should demonstrate their interest in