Promoting the HCoC at the UNIDIR Space Security Conference

1 November 2022

Geneva

Dr Xavier Pasco, Director of the FRS, explained how the Hague Code of Conduct participates to space security during the UNIDIR Space Security Conference on 1st November 2022, in Geneva.

AGENDA

Panel II — How Can Space Security Be Achieved: Past, Present, Future Efforts And Practical Measures For PAROS

MODERATOR:

  • Cécile Aptel, Deputy Director, UNIDIR

PANELLISTS:

  • Andrey Belousov, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation in Geneva
  • Guilherme de Aguiar Patriota, Amb. of Brazil, Consul General in Tokyo & former Chair of the GGE on PAROS

  • Ji Zhaoyu, Counsellor (Disarmament), Permanent Mission of the People’s Republic of China to the United Nations Office at Geneva

  • Xavier Pasco, Director, Fondation pour la recherche stratégique

  • Jessica West, Senior Researcher, Project Ploughshares

Over the years, many different mechanisms and processes have been proposed to address space security concerns and to achieve the goals of PAROS. This panel will look at the past and present initiatives that States have undertaken to address space security concerns, and to consider what lessons can be learned for the future. Attention will be paid to initiatives including, the draft treaty on the Prevention of the Placement of Weapons in Outer Space and of the Threat or Use of Force Against Outer Space Objects, the draft International Code of Conduct for outer space activities, the Hague Code of Conduct against Ballistic Missile Proliferation, the groups of governmental experts on TCBMs in outer space activities and on advancing a legally binding mechanism for PAROS, as well as the most recent open-ended working group on reducing threats through norms, rules and principles of responsible behaviours.

Research Papers

The Rise of Small Launchers: What Impact on Ballistic Missile Proliferation?

This paper recalls the state of ballistic missile proliferation at the time of the adoption of the Code, before delving into the genesis of the Code and especially the various reports and meetings that promoted the adoption of a supply-side multilateral instrument. It describes the conferences and diplomatic efforts that led to the Code in 2002. It also explains why the Code ended up the way it is today with modest ambitions but concrete outcomes.

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Research Papers

The Hague Code of Conduct and Space

This paper considers the dual approach of the Code by analysing the similarities between launchers and ballistic missiles in light of new technical developments, and assessing the risk of missile technology proliferation. It also assesses the new trends and developments in the space sector that may have an impact on the ability of the HCoC to remain relevant in its efforts to curb the proliferation of ballistic launchers.

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Issue Briefs

The HCoC and South Asia

India’s and Pakistan’s ballistic missiles are mostly designed as delivery vehicles for their nuclear weapons. While intrinsically linked to their national security, ballistic missiles also have regional security implications for South Asia. Non-proliferation and arms control efforts have so far been aimed at the bilateral level. Subscription to other instruments including the HCoC remains low in the region, although India joined the HCoC in 2016.

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