A panel of international experts covering various disciplines, ranging from behavioral science to philosophy and international law, concluded at conference held in Finland over the weekend that all whales and dolphins have the right to life, liberty and wellbeing.
The two day conference organised by WDCS (the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society) and held at the University of Helsinki, addressed the question of whether whales and dolphins should, in the same way as great apes, be considered as non-human persons and be granted special status.
Experts discussed the increasing body of scientific evidence with respect to cetaceans, including emergent understanding of self-awareness, abstract thought and cultural complexity. The meeting also assessed this data in the context of our current moral principles, and subsequently proposed a formal ‘Declaration on the rights for whales and dolphins’ (see below).
“Recognizing that whales and dolphins, just as the non-human great apes, have a right to life and should be treated as persons is part of what we consider as moral progress,” states Paola Cavalieri, co-founder of the Great Ape Project and initiator of the conference.
“Whales and Dolphins cannot, and should not be seen as a resource. It is this out-of-date approach that allows for their continued killing, as well as polluting and destroying their natural environment. It is time we see them, and treat them, as beyond use”, says Chris Butler-Stroud, chief executive of WDCS.
The Declaration, which is now open for members of the public to sign (at the link below), stands in strong opposition to the ongoing negotiations by Member States of the International Whaling Commission (IWC) who are currently considering the adoption of a proposal to lift the ban on commercial whaling at its next annual meeting in June, 2010.
Declaration on Rights for Cetaceans:
Based on the principle of the equal treatment of all persons; recognizing that scientific research gives us deeper insights into the complexities of cetacean minds, societies and cultures; noting that the progressive development of international law manifests a growing sense of entitlement by cetaceans; we affirm that all cetaceans as persons have the right to life, liberty and wellbeing.
We believe that:
1. Every individual cetacean has the right to life.
2. No cetacean should be held in captivity or servitude; be subject to cruel treatment; or be removed from their natural environment.
3. All cetaceans have the right to freedom of movement and residence within their natural environment.
4. No cetacean is the property of any State, corporation, human group or individual.
5. Cetaceans have the right to the protection of their natural environment.
6. Cetaceans have the right not to be subject to the disruption of their cultures.
7. The rights, freedoms and norms set forth in this Declaration should be protected under international and domestic law.
8. Cetaceans are entitled to an international order in which these rights, freedoms and norms can be fully realized.
9. No State, corporation, human group or individual should engage in any activity that undermines these rights, freedoms and norms.
10. Nothing in this Declaration shall prevent a State from enacting stricter provisions for the protection of cetacean rights.
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