UN: Protect Children from the Violence of Trophy Hunting

Trophy Hunting Recognized as Violence Against Children

The announcement on February 8, 2024 follows a periodic review of children’s rights in South Africa. IG Wild beim Wild welcomes the fact that the Committee recognizes trophy hunting as a violent and harmful activity, not only towards animals but also towards children.

Last year, the United Nations formally recognized and defined children’s right to freedom from all forms of violence, including violence against animals. During the review of periodic reports submitted by the South African government to the UNCRC: “Various psychological studies on violence and animal abuse have shown that witnessing or participating in violence can severely impact the moral and psychological development of children, normalizing violence and instilling lifelong negative behavioral patterns. The public and societal acceptance of children’s participation in trophy hunting of wildlife in this country (South Africa) is, to say the least, alarming. When will the State Party clarify whether it will urgently criminalize this practice?”

South Africa Commits to Dialogue

The UNCRC noted: “South Africa has taken note of the concerns regarding the impact of trophy hunting on children who participate in it. South Africa has committed to holding round table discussions to address this issue.”

Research shows that witnessing animal cruelty constitutes a form of psychological abuse of children. Trophy hunting is one of many forms of violence against animals that can cause trauma. Around the world, children, predominantly from low-income communities, frequently witness domestic violence against pets, the violent slaughter of deliberately bred animals, and the cruel extermination of animals considered "pests" or a potential health risk to humans, including mice, rats and stray dogs. Other activities involving violence against animals include hobby hunting of wildlife, poaching, the shooting of birds and dogfighting, all of which are harmful to children. With the adoption of United Nations General Comment No. 26 last year, children now have the right to be protected from witnessing violence against animals, and the South African government has been called upon to explain how it will guarantee this right.

Convention on the Rights of the Child and Hobby Hunting

Trophy hunting is cruel and violent towards animals and deeply harmful to children who witness it. The Committee's statement is an important starting point for addressing the broad spectrum of animal cruelty to which children in South Africa and around the world are exposed. Promoting compassion and respect towards all animals helps foster children's emotional and social skills. Ending exposure to animal cruelty can help prevent the development and normalisation of violent behavior, both towards animals and towards humans.

Children and young people must be protected from all forms of violence. The passive and active participation of children and young people in hunting activities is therefore impermissible. The Convention on the Rights of the Child encompasses, among other things, the right of all minors to physical and mental integrity. At the same time, it enshrines the state's obligation to guarantee the protection of these rights. In the sphere of hobby hunting, hobby hunters notoriously violate this obligation.