Sign the declaration and join a global call to have rights formally declared for cetaceans

Declaration of Rights for Cetaceans: Whales and Dolphins

Based on the principle of the equal treatment of all persons;
Recognizing that scientific research gives us deeper insights into the complexities of cetacean minds, societies and cultures;
Noting that the progressive development of international law manifests an entitlement to life by cetaceans;
We affirm that all cetaceans as persons have the right to life, liberty and wellbeing.
We conclude that:

  1. Every individual cetacean has the right to life.
  2. No cetacean should be held in captivity or servitude; be subject to cruel treatment; or be removed from their natural environment.
  3. All cetaceans have the right to freedom of movement and residence within their natural environment.
  4. No cetacean is the property of any State, corporation, human group or individual.
  5. Cetaceans have the right to the protection of their natural environment.
  6. Cetaceans have the right not to be subject to the disruption of their cultures.
  7. The rights, freedoms and norms set forth in this Declaration should be protected under international and domestic law.
  8. Cetaceans are entitled to an international order in which these rights, freedoms and norms can be fully realized.
  9. No State, corporation, human group or individual should engage in any activity that undermines these rights, freedoms and norms.
  10. Nothing in this Declaration shall prevent a State from enacting stricter provisions for the protection of cetacean rights.

Agreed, 22nd May 2010, Helsinki, Finland

This declaration is now open for individuals to join:

First name  
Last name  
Affiliation  
Country  
Email

An email confirmation will be sent you once you have submitted your signature.


     
 

Website photography by Hal Whitehead, Scott Portelli and Colin Wood, through arrangement with WDC.

This independent site is currently supported and maintained by WDC, Whale and Dolphin Conservation under agreement with the Helsinki Group. The name and email address details collected by the site will be used only for the purposes of furthering the Declaration. Names and email address details will not be shared with any other parties. Any proposed changes to this arrangement will first be agreed with the Helsinki Group, then published on this website, and all declaration signatory email addresses will be consulted appropriately. WDC is registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Our charity number is 1014705. Our address is: Brookfield House, 38 St. Paul Street, Chippenham, Wiltshire SN15 1LJ, U.K.

Privacy Policy | Cookies

For more information, contact website administration - webmaster [at] whales.org