The Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare (UDAW) is a proposed inter-governmental agreement to recognise that animals are sentient, to prevent cruelty and reduce suffering, and to promote standards on the welfare of animals such as farm animals, companion animals, animals in scientific research, draught animals, wildlife animals and animals in recreation.
It is proposed that a UDAW be adopted by the United Nations. If endorsed by the UN (as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was) the UDAW would be a non-binding set of principles that acknowledges the importance of the sentience of animals and human responsibilities towards them. The principles were designed to encourage and enable national governments to introduce and improve animal protection legislation and initiatives.
It has been argued that a UDAW is consistent with, and could help secure the achievement of, the UN Millennium Development Goals.
This should not be confused with the Universal Declaration of Animal Rights (UDAR) or the Universal Charter of the Rights of Other Species (2000)
Read more about Universal Declaration On Animal Welfare: History, Overview of The Proposed Declaration, Public Campaign
Famous quotes containing the words universal, declaration, animal and/or welfare:
“I believe there’s no proverb but what is true; they are all so many sentences and maxims drawn from experience, the universal mother of sciences.”
—Miguel De Cervantes (1547–1616)
“I enclose to you a copy of the declaration of independence as agreed to by the House, and also, as originally framed. You will judge whether it is the better or worse for the Critics.”
—Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826)
“... found myself
myself, smaller,
not thin but thinner, nervous,
who hurries without animal calm.”
—Denise Levertov (b. 1923)
“In my public statements I have earnestly urged that there rested upon government many responsibilities which affect the moral and spiritual welfare of our people. The participation of women in elections has produced a keener realization of the importance of these questions and has contributed to higher national ideals. Moreover, it is through them that our national ideals are ingrained in our children.”
—Herbert Hoover (1874–1964)