Universal Declaration of Human Rights

GOAL: A publicly declared commitment to uphold the Universal Declaration of Human Rights from UN subsidary bodies pertaining to legislative proceedings regarding Outer Space

This contribution Is intended to serve as a catalyst for Integration of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) into legislation pertaining to regulation of Outer Space.

Implementation of the 1948 Declaration is advantageous for the private sector, States-Parties to the Outer Space Treaty, and the international community alike.

What is needed NOW is a base level positive affirmation favorable to private property rights in Outer Space; a proclamation favorable to private property rights in space, as a foundation for their evolution beyond national borders and Earthly constraints, one which is accepted across the board:

Sustainable Development in Space was the main theme of UNISPACE+50, and the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development is a cornerstone.

The 2030 Agenda is grounded in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
(See: A/RES/70/1 – para. 10, para. 19)

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 17 states that

-Everyone shall have the right to property

-No one shall be arbitrarily denied the right to property.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights can be seamlessly integrated into the national space policy of States-Parties to the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, and with it, Article 17, providing positive affirmation of the human right to property.  The incorporation of fundamental principles of the United Nations,  may take place without litigation, nor necessitation of new legislation and  with no accusation of violation of ‘national appropriation’.  Article 17 is the positive affirmation for private property rights we’ve been looking for after 50 years of treaty tension regarding the concept of private property rights under the1967 Outer Space Treaty.

The opportunity should be seized to strengthen the commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.  The Space Resources Working Group should lead the way in adopting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights into international space policy.