Navigating a New Frontier – ‘Human’ Rights in Space

The exploration of space challenges our understanding and application of human rights, requiring ethical, equitable, and sustainable approaches to new territories. Managing space debris is critical to preserve the space environment, necessitating international cooperation and comprehensive policies. Human settlements on celestial bodies must adhere to principles of human rights, democracy, and self-determination, ensuring inclusivity and equal opportunities. Preventing the militarisation of space and addressing resource exploitation are essential to maintain peace and ensure the fair distribution of space resources, while the discovery of extraterrestrial life would necessitate the development of inter-special rights frameworks.