World Charter For Cetacea

A Universal Declaration of Rights

Preamble
It is in wonder and awe that we gaze at the great diversity of life on our planet. The seas are the heart's blood of the earth, the habitat of other species, endowed with other intelligences, that are self aware and demand ethical treatment by us, not least because cetaceans have knowingly saved human lives.

Anyone who has ever seen a whale or dolphin would undoubtedly concur that the experience had an uplifting spiritual effect on them. Whales and dolphins have been celebrated in human art and folk tales for thousands of years. They live by movement we may never see or hear but this Charter deems that they are not mere resources and recognises they are unique beings, having intrinsic value, irrespective of their utilitarian value to humans. They are, in fact, other tribes or nations caught in the web of life. Recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world. Bestowing on the cetacean family considerations and rights thereby challenges the present threats to them. This Charter therefore is a great leap forward for the collective consciousness of humanity and proudly and unreservedly pronounces Cetacea have a right to their liberty and life.

Source: World Charter For Cetacea

Link: Each animal has an interest in living a life filled with pleasure & free of pain


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