Human Rights and the Challenges of Exploitation of Space Resources (A Legal Analysis of the Principle of Common Heritage of Mankind and the Interests of Asean Countries)
Abstract
The development of space technology has brought humanity to the threshold of commercializing space resources, including mining on the Moon and asteroids. This activity has sparked fundamental legal debates regarding the distribution of prosperity and the protection of human rights. This research analyzes the risks of the monopolization of space resources by developed countries and private corporations, which could violate human rights, particularly the rights to development and to the common heritage of humanity. The research questions addressed include: (1) how the international legal framework balances the commercial rights of investors with the principle of protecting human rights for all humanity in space exploitation, and (2) the positions and challenges faced by ASEAN countries in the race for international space exploitation regulations. The research method used is normative juridical with a conceptual approach through the doctrine of the Common Heritage of Mankind, a legislative approach to the Outer Space Treaty of 1967 and the Moon Agreement of 1979, and a comparative approach within the ASEAN region, particularly between Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam. The research findings demonstrate a lack of clear international law regarding equitable benefit-sharing mechanisms, threatening the economic sovereignty of developing countries. Compared with other regions, ASEAN countries lag in codifying domestic space laws capable of protecting national interests globally. This research recommends establishing a new international regime under the UN that guarantees the inclusive distribution of space benefits and strengthening ASEAN's space diplomacy to create a collective bargaining position.
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