THE APPLICABILITY OF THE RULES ON INTERNATIONAL CRIMES IN OUTER SPACE
Keywords:
applicability of international rules, outer space, international crimesAbstract
Purpose
The objective of this reflection is the analysis of the applicability of the rules on international crimes in outer space. It must be taken into account that, in principle, international standards, even in their complexity, are designed to be applicable by States, in their territorial spaces or, taking into account different variables, to their citizens in spaces outside the jurisdiction of the State. However, nothing prevents them from being applicable in the future, as long as their applicability can be verified.
Design/Methods/Approach
In order to structure the purpose of this work, a systemic method would have to be used, which allows all possible applicable standards to be framed. To do this, we must start from the considerations of general International Law, including the scope of application ratione materiae, ratione personae, ratione loci and ratione temporis. Interconnected with general international law, the contractual obligations of States should be considered, including special norms, such as the Law of Treaties, the Law of the Sea, Human Rights, International Criminal Law, European Law, etc. Likewise, the principles of extraterritoriality, extraterritorial application of rules, universal jurisdiction, etc. must be taken into account, in addition to national rules, depending on each case.
Findings
There is a false belief that outer space is governed by existing conventional rules and that, therefore, binds each State, depending on the obligations undertaken.
However, now that the true conquest of space has begun, with an enormity of resources and uses, which may be contrary to the norms that protect the attribution and criminal liability of international crimes, it is when the set of regulations needs to be articulated. relevant to approaching these issues. Current scientific evidence and the lack of specific regulation require a more detailed treatment of these issues.
Originality/Value
Outer space has only been studied throughout history as a claim in its territorial conquest. Issues that go beyond these territorial claims or even the use for resource extraction or the use to obtain energy sources or the use of space for armed conflicts have not been addressed.
An all-encompassing and particularized approach is required on issues that have to do with attribution or criminal liability for the commission, persecution and prosecution of international crimes, especially for crimes of aggression (both state and individual), genocide (both state and individual), crimes against humanity and war crimes.
Keywords: applicability of international rules, outer space, international crimes.
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