The International Institute of Space Law (IISL) was granted the status of Permanent Observer with the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS), during the 51st Session of COPUOS held in Vienna 11-20 June 2008. COPUOS currently has 69 member states, including all major space-faring nations, and discusses major issues in international space activities in annual sessions.

During the session of COPUOS where this decision was taken, the IISL was represented by its President, Mrs Tanja Masson-Zwaan, as well as Vice-President Professor Vladimir Kopal and Honorary Director Dr Ernst Fasan. The IISL is also in the process of finalising its application for consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), which will further enhance its visibility within the United Nations system.

The status of Permanent Observer represents a great opportunity for the IISL to closely follow the debates in COPUOS and its Subcommittees on the future of international cooperation for peaceful purposes in outer space and the legal aspects thereof, and to make its voice and opinions heard if necessary.

For more information on COPUOS and its activities, please see http://www.unoosa.org/oosa/en/COPUOS/copuos.html.