A Historic Development: The United Nations has Linked Animal Abuse with Child Trauma. We received this information from Les Ward from the Marchig Trust. Anyone who is interested can read the info below. Very important is the list we are showing you which shows the cruel activities to animals which is causing trauma to children.
From: Les Ward – Marchig Trust
Date: Fri, Sep 8, 2023 at 6:46 PM
Subject: Historic Development – The United Nations has Linked Animal Abuse with Child Trauma
Dear All,
For interest, I am writing to make you aware of a historic moment which began last year during the 87th Session of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, when the United Nations engaged on the subject of “societal animal abuse” for the first time. This powerful UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), recognised the ‘Harmful Effects’ caused to children having to witness violent animal abuse. As a result, the UNCRC released a statement calling for the cessation of government practices supporting ‘Traditions and Practices’ and declared an increased resolve to “address such violent traditions and practices which have a detrimental effect on the well-being of children”. This opportunity to make a real difference for both animals and children had been brought to my attention last year by the European Link Coalition (ELC), after which I agreed to offer my support in seeking to make it a reality.
I can now inform you that this historic engagement by the United Nations, together with the continued pressure of the ELC and others, has resulted ln the publishing on the 28th August 2023, of UN General Comment 26, in which it is stated in Clause G35: “Children must be protected from all forms of physical and psychological violence and from exposure to violence, such as domestic violence or violence inflicted on animals”. It is believed that this the first time that animal abuse has been referenced in a ‘legally binding ‘Human Rights Charter of the United Nations. Furthermore, it should also be noted that ‘General Comments’, which are released infrequently, provide definitive guidance and clarity to the ‘legally binding’ UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, importantly placing a ‘strict obligation’ on all 196 nations to comply. (See Attached)
This historic and momentous step forward should in effect mean that laws must be created to protect children from experiencing any violence inflicted on an animal, whether in their home or in society. Millions of animals can now be protected and an unimaginable number of children will no longer learn that violence is normal and their compassion and empathy for all other living beings will be preserved and protected. For example, countries which seek to manage homeless animal populations by killing animals in public must cease these practices. Children must be prevented from attending bullfighting and similar traditions. Children should not be taken trophy hunting. No child can be allowed to attend animal sacrifice traditions. No child must be allowed to watch or participate in the ‘Pilot Whale Slaughter’ in the Faroes. Child participation in the ‘Cat and Dog Meat Industry’, must cease. Of course, a great many more could be added, including a child witnessing or participating in the hunting and killing of wildlife. (See Attached Video from Actor, Peter Egan, who has also been involved in this campaign.)
In my opinion, the United Nations, the European Link Coalition and others have erected a major milestone on the road towards a more civilised society for both children and animals. It is now down to us and indeed, I believe it is the duty of all of us and our organisations, not only to ensure that General Comment 26, Clause G35 is implemented by the UN, but that we use it directly in furtherance of our aims in seeking to protect the suffering and abused animals of the world, whilst at the same time, helping the suffering children that are often through no choice of their own, having to witness this violence.
Finally, allow me also to urge you now and at every opportunity, to bring to the attention of your colleagues and other animal welfare and protection organisations (including child welfare NGO’s) you know or come into contact, of the new possibilities which General Comment 26, Clause G35 opens for them to challenge governments, under a ‘legally binding’ Charter of the United Nations. Thanks.
