Perpetua Akoth Adar
Thesis title: Towards an International Human Rights Law Regime in Outer Space: Ontological and Epistemological Contextualisation of Human Rights for Humankind
While the idea of long-term human habitation in outer space (space) seems abstract or theoretical to most people, it is not. We are in a new era of advancement, where this prospect is occupying discourse in the international political and legal arena. Falling costs, new technologies, increased national investments, and private space actors are some variables propelling space activities forward. As human activity and presence in space increase and the development, trends and problems become clear, it is critical to think about the kind of legal framework that is necessary to protect people in space. In the interest of peace, security, and maintenance of the rule of law, clarity may be required on the rights of, for example, those on commercial and/or international space stations, on spaceflights as well as of those expected to be living and working on the Moon. Essentially, what is the International Human Rights Law (IHRL) that will safeguard people’s rights and freedoms in space?
Humankind has made positive strides towards the protection, promotion, and enforcement of human rights on Earth. However, international law is colonial and highly selective. This research will therefore draw on Critical International Law perspectives, taking seriously issues of gender, race, class, and other historical and structural inequalities in exploring key questions about a legal framework for space. It will consider whether an ideational change for a reformed international law in the future of humankind in space (and by extension on Earth) is desirable and possible.
Biography
Perpetua has over 15 years of experience in the human rights sector, having worked on a variety of issues, including international criminal justice, transitional justice, elections, and disinformation. Perpetua has held several positions and consulted with leading national and international not-for-profit organizations in Kenya, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Rhodes University (SA), an LLB from UNISA (SA), an LLM from SOAS University of London (UK), and an MA from the University of Warwick.
Publications
Adar PA, ‘Domestic accountability through strategic litigation: Towards redress and reparations for Kenya’s 2007-8 post-election sexual and gender-based violence’ (2022) 22 African Human Rights Law Journal 213-240.
Adar PA, ‘Space and the future of humanity: A TWAIL critique of International Space Law and Space Discourse’(2022) 3 TWAIL Review 92.
Socio-Legal Studies
University of Warwick
2022 Cohort, 1+3
Supervisory Team
Christine Schwöbel-Patel
Raza Saeed