Open Letter: No Minors on Hobby Hunting
The IG Wild beim Wild calls on the Federal Council to exclude minors from hobby hunting. The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child demands protection from violence.
Convention on the Rights of the Child demands protection from violence
Dear Mr. President of the Swiss Confederation
Dear Ms. Federal Councillor
Dear Mr. Federal Councillor
Children must be protected from all forms of violence and their physical and mental integrity must be safeguarded. This is also required by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (General Comment 26), and the state is obliged to protect these rights. Article 19 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child demands the protection of the child from all forms of violence.
«Children must be protected from all forms of physical and psychological violence and from exposure to violence, such as domestic violence or violence against animals.»
UN Committee on the Rights of the Child
Hobby hunting desensitises children
The passive or active participation of children and young people in hobby hunting contradicts this principle, as witnessing the killing of animals is a traumatic experience for children. Furthermore, there is a risk that minors become desensitised to the suffering of other beings as a result, and are given the impression that it is permissible to inflict suffering on other beings without cause. Moreover, a link between animal cruelty in childhood and antisocial, cruel behaviour towards humans in adulthood has long been scientifically established.
Demand: Criminalise participation
In order for children and young people to develop in a healthy manner and become peaceful members of our society, governments must be called upon to put a stop to practices such as those of hobby hunters who take minors along on hunting trips. We therefore ask you to address this issue and to urge those responsible to make the participation of children and young people in hunting activities a criminal offence.
As signatories of this open letter, we therefore call on decision-makers to take action, because protecting children from violence inflicted on animals is essential for upholding children's rights .
Yours sincerely
IG Wild beim Wild, Postfach 120, 6716 Acquarossa
T: 41 79 236 95 81 | E-Mail: info@wildbeimwild.com | Website: wildbeimwild.com
