On Monday 4 September 2023, the UK Centre for Animal Law (A-LAW) welcomed the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child’s recognition of the impact that witnessing violence inflicted on animals can have on children, as well as the positive benefit of interacting with the animal world.
The legally binding General Comment 26 published by the Committee on 22 August 2023 acknowledges the potential positive and negative impacts of interactions with animals. Section C: Right to life, survival and development states that the “developmental benefits of a healthy environment include those linked to opportunities to experience outdoor activities and to interact with and play in natural environments, including the animal world”.
Section G: Right to freedom from all forms of violence (art. 19) states that “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”.
The World Federation for Animals have said that this “helps States understand that protecting children from violence inflicted on animals is essential for upholding child rights”.
Malcom Plant, spokesperson for the European Link Coalition, said “the realization that we protect animals when we protect children – and protect children when we protect animals is ground breaking”. He added that this should mean “no child can be taken trophy hunting, attend bullfighting or animal sacrifice festivals” and that “laws should be created to protect children from violence against animals within their homes”.
Erin Leach, a researcher in international human rights law and A-Law volunteer, said that “what we see here is a convergence – a meeting point of kinds, one where the Committee has recognised with absolute clarity that the welfare of children and animals is connected”.
The UK Centre for Animal Law welcomes General Comment 26 and will be working with the European Link Coalition and others to support its proper implementation and enforcement.
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