Space Law and Property Rights in Space were discussed at CIU
In coordination with the Social Activities and Student Clubs of Cyprus International University (CIU), the Law Club organized an activity where “Space Law and Property Rights in Space” focusing mainly on property/ownership was discussed.
CIU Law School Faculty member Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kutluhan Bozkurt said space is the common heritage and future of mankind and that no country could obtain property rights in space to benefit a country or countries. Furthermore, Dr. Bozkurt reminded that thanks to universal principles, there are guidelines that were arranged by international law and accepted by the United Nations (UN) which accepts that space celestial bodies are the common possessions of mankind and that collective property ownership is accepted in principle.
Today we have to treat assets separately from the perspective of International Law and European Union Law; Dr. Bozkurt indicated that though the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, one of the first examples of “Soft Law” is not binding, it still has a reference to property rights. Most countries are particular about observing these resolutions and protecting property rights.
Bozkurt reminded that the second important regulation in the context of property rights is the Civil and Political Rights Agreement. In addition, the Convention of Human Rights should also be considered as there was no regulation on property in the first text. Later, this shortcoming in the first article of the additional protocol was fixed.
Dr. Bozkurt went on to say that space race began during and after World War Two, and with the developments in the missile-rocket technology, there emerged a strategic area.
Bozkurt also talked about the applications of the regulations to space, created by the world legal system, and said, “There are basic principles determined by international law regarding the use of space. We need to pay special attention to the UN Secretariat when it comes to space law.”
Noting that in the future, it will be possible to move from the collective ownership of space to different individual or national ownership practices, but he added that this will not be easy.
Addressing his young colleagues at the event, Bozkurt said, “Perhaps you will witness a journey to Mars in 20-30 years. Space Law will enter a transformation process. This transformation will begin with the property phenomena and will peak in space mining and colonization.”
Bozkurt said that for the protection of peace and security regarding the use of space, the approaches to celestial bodies should be developed to maintain cooperation and mutual benefits. He concluded by saying international law should be applied to all activities in space.