Whaling
Vote Cruelty Free calls for an end to commercial whaling, a practice which has driven many whale populations to the brink of extinction. Despite an international ban on commercial whaling adopted by the International Whaling Commission (IWC) in 1986 Japan, Norway and Iceland continue this cruel and unnecessary activity.
Commitments sought from European Parliament
- Take steps to ensure the effectiveness of the moratorium on commercial whaling at the International Whaling Commission (IWC) and oppose any proposals that might allow commercial whaling despite the moratorium, such as those to legitimise Japan’s ‘coastal whaling’
- Challenge commercial whaling conducted by Iceland and Norway at the IWC and so-called ‘scientific’ whaling conducted by Japan
- Renew high-level diplomatic efforts to counteract undue pressure from Japan to influence the votes of sovereign states at the IWC and ensure an effective international regulatory framework for the conservation of whales
- Urge EU Member States and the Commission to ensure the EU takes a strong common position at the IWC against any proposals (or deal) which may undermine the maintenance of the moratorium on whaling at future IWC meetings.”
