Declaration of Rights for Cetaceans: Whales and Dolphins
http://cetaceanconservation.com.au/cetaceanrights/
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 an entitlement to life by cetaceans;
We affirm that all
cetaceans as persons have the right to life, liberty and wellbeing.
We
conclude that:
- Every individual cetacean has the right to life.
- No cetacean should be held in captivity or
servitude; be subject to cruel treatment; or be removed from their
natural environment.
- All cetaceans have the right to freedom of
movement and residence within their natural environment.
- No cetacean is the property of any State,
corporation, human group or individual.
- Cetaceans have the right to the protection of
their natural environment.
- Cetaceans have the right not to be subject to the
disruption of their cultures.
- The rights, freedoms and norms set forth in this
Declaration should be protected under international and domestic law.
- Cetaceans are entitled to an international order
in which these rights, freedoms and norms can be fully realized.
- No State, corporation, human group or individual
should engage in any activity that undermines these rights, freedoms and
norms.
- Nothing in this Declaration shall prevent a State
from enacting stricter provisions for the protection of cetacean rights.