For example:Ĭritical civilian infrastructure needed for health care, transportation, communications, energy and trade is increasingly dependent on space systems. The human cost of using weapons in outer space that could disrupt, damage, destroy or disable civilian or dual-use space objects is likely to be significant. Potential human cost of the use of weapons in outer spaceĤ. 3 It concludes with recommendations that States and the Secretary-General's report are invited to consider in this regard (section IV). The paper lays out the potential human cost of the use of weapons in outer space (section II) and the existing limits to such use under international law (section III). In line with its humanitarian mission and mandate, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) submits this position paper to the Secretary-General to contribute its expertise to the discussion. “ equests the Secretary-General … to seek the views of Member States on the issues … and to submit a substantive report, with an annex containing these views, to the General Assembly … for further discussion by Member States”. “ ncourages Member States to study existing and potential threats and security risks to space systems, including those arising from actions, activities or systems in outer space or on Earth, characterize actions and activities that could be considered responsible, irresponsible or threatening and their potential impact on international security, and share their ideas on the further development and implementation of norms, rules and principles of responsible behaviours and on the reduction of the risks of misunderstanding and miscalculations with respect to outer space ” 1 This matter is of direct relevance to the issues outlined in Resolution 75/36 “Reducing space threats through norms, rules and principles of responsible behaviours” adopted by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly on 7 December 2020 (hereinafter “the Resolution”). This is because technology enabled by space systems permeates most aspects of civilian life, making the potential consequences of attacks on space systems a matter of humanitarian concern.Ģ. The use of weapons in outer space – be it through kinetic or non-kinetic means, using space- and/or ground-based weapon systems – could have significant impacts on civilians on earth. This position paper is available in the six United Nations languages. Position paper submitted by the International Committee of the Red Cross to the Secretary-General of the United Nations on the issues outlined in General Assembly Resolution 75/36, 8 April 2021
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