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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 and animals in recreation.[1] The declaration has not been agreed and focus has largely shifted over to creating the more legally binding UN Convention on Animal Health and Protection (UNCAHP).[2]
It is proposed that the declaration 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 acknowledge 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.
- ^ Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare Archived 2009-07-05 at the Wayback Machine (This is the 2005 draft version. See reference to a newer 2011 version in the history section. Note that as at June 2012 this is still a draft proposal, not an international treaty in force.)
- ^ Schapper, A.; Bliss, C. (2023). "Transforming our world? Strengthening animal rights and animal welfare at the United Nations". International Relations. 37 (3): 514–537. doi:10.1177/00471178231193299.