On December 10, many countries around the world celebrate International Animal Rights Day, which was established in 1998 on the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Human Rights. And this is not a coincidence – it is celebrated on the same day as Human Rights Day because the organizations that founded it wanted to emphasize that ALL living beings on the planet have the right to life and protection from suffering.
Unfortunately, few people on earth know that our little brothers also have a World Declaration for the Protection of Their Rights. By the way, it was drawn up precisely on the basis of the World Declaration of Human Rights and aims to stop the exploitation and killing of animals.
«The Universal Declaration of Animal Rights was presented by the International League of Animal Rights on September 23, 1977 in London, and on October 15, 1978, it was solemnly proclaimed in Paris at the UNESCO building. Later, in 1990, at the initiative of the International League of Animal Rights, some changes and additions were made to it.
The Declaration consists of 10 articles, which state not only that every living being has the right to respect and to a life without suffering, exploitation and death, and that cruelty to animals is unacceptable. But also that a person is obliged to take care of restoring the population of different species of animals on earth, and actions leading to the unjustified death of any animal are a crime against life.
Animal rights activists defend for our little brothers the same rights and freedoms that man has, and above all the inalienable right to life, the right to freedom and to natural habitat. Today, such principles are adhered to by millions of people in different countries of the world, and in many countries there are rules of law that regulate relations related to the prevention of cruelty to animals and the formation of a humane attitude towards them in society.
The Declaration and various animal rights laws work especially effectively in countries such as England, Germany, and Denmark. By the way, Germany became the first European country whose Constitution guarantees animal rights. In England, animal rights are protected by a law passed back in 1911. The United States is known for its actions in defense of animal rights, including laboratory ones.
Although in many countries these laws exist, according to which citizens guilty of cruelty to animals are criminally liable depending on the gravity of the act, there are other states where animals are viewed as property or a biological object, and the punishment for causing them harm is purely symbolic.
In addition, in addition to legislative work, it is necessary to carry out educational and educational activities among children and adolescents on the subject of animal rights and human responsibilities towards our smaller brothers. The system of public education and education of any country should be aimed at ensuring that a person understands and respects the rights of an animal from childhood.
Today, International Animal Rights Day brings together all concerned who oppose the abuse of animals and killing them for meat, furs, experiments and entertainment. On this day, many countries host various events and events — pickets and processions, publications and programs in the media, concerts and exhibitions, competitions, etc.
In Russia, events in honor of this Day began to be widely held since 2004. Among the most famous events in recent years — is the All-Russian competition «Ethical gourmet» (100 most original and useful products for Russian vegetarians), the international competition «Design against furs», the release of a series of posters «Life in harmony with the planet» with the participation of Russian vegetarian stars and others. Among the main achievements of — is when in 2009, environmental organizations, with the strong support of the Russian public and creative intelligentsia, achieved a complete ban on the hunting of seal pups on the White Sea. Thus, Russia became the first country in the world to completely ban this bloody massacre.
Postcard «December 10 — International Animal Rights Day» Article «Test: "Do animals violate your rights"?»