GENEVA — The Kingdom's Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, Ambassador Abdulmohsen bin Khothaila, highlighted the critical issue of space debris and its potential implications for human rights during the 57th session. Speaking at the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on behalf of 123 countries, he stressed that awareness of outer space sustainability is essential to ensuring the ongoing benefits of space technology for human well-being. In his remarks, Ambassador Khothaila noted that the advancements in space have provided significant benefits to humanity, enhancing global communications, weather forecasting, and disaster management. These developments are vital for protecting fundamental human rights. However, he cautioned that space debris presents substantial risks to the infrastructure that supports these operations, potentially impeding efforts to safeguard and promote these rights. The ambassador pointed out that space debris poses challenges directly impacting several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 9 on Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, and Goal 11 on Sustainable Cities and Communities. He emphasized the need for effective space debris management to ensure sustainable development and continued access to critical technologies that facilitate weather monitoring, disaster response, and urban planning. Additionally, the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) underscored the importance of managing space debris for the safety and governance of outer space operations. They highlighted its significance for international security, environmental protection, and satellite services, which are integral to human rights and development.
