The United Nations Security Council is scheduled to vote on a resolution sponsored by the United States and Japan urging all nations to prevent a dangerous nuclear arms race in outer space. The resolution, set for a vote on Wednesday, calls on countries to refrain from developing or deploying weapons of mass destruction, particularly nuclear arms, in space.
The U.S. Ambassador emphasized the unprecedented and unacceptable nature of placing nuclear weapons in orbit around the Earth. However, Russia has expressed skepticism, labeling the resolution as a political maneuver divorced from reality.
The draft resolution highlights the importance of averting an arms race in outer space to safeguard international peace and security. It underscores the obligations outlined in the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, which prohibits the deployment of nuclear weapons or any other weapons of mass destruction in space.
The resolution also stresses the need for additional measures, including political commitments and legally binding instruments, to prevent an arms race in outer space comprehensively. It calls on the U.N. Conference on Disarmament to play a pivotal role in negotiating agreements to address this issue.
U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres has warned about escalating geopolitical tensions and the heightened risk of nuclear warfare, citing the movie 'Oppenheimer' as a stark reminder of the catastrophic consequences of nuclear conflict. He emphasized the critical importance of avoiding a scenario akin to a nuclear doomsday.
In light of these developments, the international community faces a crucial juncture in ensuring the peaceful use of outer space and preventing the militarization of this domain. The outcome of the Security Council vote and subsequent actions taken by member states will be pivotal in shaping the future of space security and global disarmament efforts.
