In a collaboration between the Leiden University Law Faculty, TU Delft Geosciences and Erasmus University Rotterdam RSM we will have a thesis lab on the use of Earth Observation and Satellite Navigation for Humanitarian rights.
Topics and theses
In this thesis lab we will investigate the possibilities,
‘Technical, legal and business challenges for optimizing the use of satellite data for detecting and proving violations of humanitarian law with focus on (forced) displacement of people and its causes’
Students who are interested can apply for being part of this Space Thesis Lab can apply by sending a Motivation Letter to the Thesis Lab coordinators Peter Batenburg and Wim Ploeg. For more information on the conditions for and application steps please check our enrolment page.
The Space Thesis Lab invites students to join the Lab by proposing a research question in their application. This can be a research question listed below, a variation on it or your own research question.
Humanitarian Law Research Questions
- What are the implications of the increasing (open source) accessibility and technological sophistication of satellite imagery for the protection, monitoring, and enforcement of international human rights law / international humanitarian law?
- To what extent does international law / European regional law provide a legal basis whereby states or private entities in possession of satellite data of a conflict-affected region have an obligation to cooperate with accountability mechanisms investigating international crimes?
Space Law Research Questions
- Main RQ: What are the legal implications from the viewpoint of international space law of the use of information gathered by satellites for detecting and proving violations of humanitarian law and using this information as evidence in legal proceedings, with a special focus on population displacement?
- Sub-RQ 1: What are the implications for States which authorise and supervise the activity of collecting such information in the context of Article VI of the Outer Space Treaty?
- Sub-RQ 2: To what extent do national data policies (e.g. US and Canada) allow the use of such information for the purpose of detecting and proving violations of humanitarian law and using this information as evidence in legal proceedings?
- Sub-RQ 3: In what way does the registration of space objects under Article VIII of the Outer Space Treaty, conferring jurisdiction and control to the State of registry, affect States that register satellites providing such information?
- Sub-RQ 4. To what extent can the use of such information in case of armed conflict be interpreted as 'non-peaceful' in the context of Article IV of the Outer Space Treaty?
Earth Observation technologies/Geosciences Questions
- Assessing forced human migration from satellite data
- Satellite-based change detection in conflict and natural hazard regions
- Technical conditions for establishing compelling legal evidence from satellite data
Business question
Students of the Rotterdam School of Management will take part in this thesis lab as part of the International Business Consultancy project challenge. with the following question:
'What obstacles currently prevent (private) organizations from providing specific satellite based information and evidence about violations of human rights with focus on (the cause of) refugee movements and (if possible) incentives for improvement'
Earth Observation for Humanitarian Rights Space Thesis Lab Team
- Wim Ploeg Space and Human Rights
- Tanja Masson Zwaan Leiden University International Institute of Air and Space Law
- Robert Heinsch Leiden University Grotius Centre for International Legal Studies Humanitarian Law
- Ramon Hansen TU Delft Geosciences
- René Olie Erasmus University RSM International and Strategic Management
- Dimitra Stefoudi Leiden University International Institute of Air and Space Law
- Sabrina Rewald Leiden University Grotius Centre for International Legal Studies Humanitarian Law
- Peter Batenburg Space Thesis Lab Organisation support/LDE Space for Science & Society
Space Evidence for Humanitarian Rights
The revolution in space infrastructure has produced new possibilities, such as satellite imagery, that provide information about human rights violations and about atrocities committed in conflict zones. This information can assist international accountability mechanisms encompassing international and national criminal courts as well as fact finding bodies in pursuing legal accountability for atrocities committed in these conflicts. Space infrastructure as source of digital information has the unique possibility to provide information without the necessity to enter conflict zones and a need for permission to gather this information.
The first practice in the use of satellite derived information led to questions and challenges connected to aspects of the availability, collection and credibility of this information. These questions and difficulties should be addressed in order to optimize the use of satellite information in the humanitarian domain.
The research as envisaged in this project is highly topical. The preparations started before the Ukraine war, but this example of flagrant aggression should in this respect be countered with the best information position for accountability and safeguarding the rule of law.
This action is supported by the external policy of the European Union as stated in art. 21 of the Lisbon Treaty stating its role in the advancement of the rule of law and human rights worldwide. The Satellite Centre of the Union contributes to actions in this field by providing situational awareness.
Another example are the safety and security applications of the European Space Agency which are explicitly directed to law enforcement and security of people.