In heaven as on earth : a question for analysis or a statement of fact?

The relevance of human rights standards to outer space activities is, for me, of particular significance, and this discussion is, in my view long overdue. Indeed, the very essence of the "benefits for all" principle in Article I of the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies (Outer Space Treaty), as well as the important and recurring theme of "the needs of developing countries" throughout the United Nations Space Law Treaties and Principles, point in my mind to the obvious conclusion that broad issues of why certain space activities are (un)necessary or (not) desirable, and how such activities impact on individuals and communities, are important underlying questions to be considered as we understand the nuances of regulating humankind's ongoing adventures in outer space. This symposium grew out of a commonality of view between Stephan Hobe and myself" we both have a strong conviction that one cannot really understand the legal regulation of outer space without a clear knowledge of the fundamental principles of general public international law. Already we have seen a number of examples of why this is so from yesterday's discussions" one being the discussion raised by Jean-Francois Mayence as to the effect of United Nations Security Council resolutions and decisions vis-à-vis obligations under the Space Law Treaties. As Ram Jakhu noted, the major criticism of this symposium is that it is probably a decade too late!