The Donkey Sanctuary has welcomed the UN Second Committee’s resolution to protect and improve the lives and health of working animals, including donkeys and mules.
The charity has long advocated for the protection of working animals at a pan-governmental level and the wording included in the latest UN resolution on agriculture, formalises the international body’s commitment to the long-term welfare of these animals.
The inclusion of working animals in the resolution is the result of significant work by The Donkey Sanctuary and multiple member states. The move represents a significant step toward global recognition of the inextricable link between the health and welfare of humans and animals and the importance of a more holistic approach to global health issues.
Ian Cawsey, Director of Advocacy & Campaigns at The Donkey Sanctuary, said: “For donkeys and mules, and indeed all working animals, this is a fantastic result. To have UN recognition of the role animals and their health play in achieving a sustainable planet, and the importance of a ‘One Health’ approach, is a significant moment indeed.
“All member nations are committed to delivering the UN Sustainable Development Goals so the timing of this resolution is crucial as the UN prepares to review progress of the SDGs in 2023.”
For communities all over the world, working animals, such as donkeys and mules, are vital to many aspects of life such as access to clean water, cultivating the land and transport. The Donkey Sanctuary and partner organisations have long argued their contribution deserves formal recognition and that their health and welfare is a fundamental issue that must be addressed at a global level.
Earlier in the year the UN Environmental Assembly approved the development of a report into the links between animal welfare, the environment and sustainable development. This provides the opportunity for The Donkey Sanctuary to talk to governments with large numbers of working animals on how they can deliver the better outcomes called for in this resolution.
Ian Cawsey said: “There is much to play for in 2023 as a result of the UN achievements this year. This resolution is due to be presented to the UN General Assembly in December and will be a great way to end the year for working donkeys and mules worldwide.”
UN Agriculture Resolution, paragraph 25:
Calls for increased ambition and urgency of action to protect working animals and to strengthen global efforts to ensure that animal health can contribute to addressing challenges and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, in line with United Nations Environment Assembly resolution 5/1 of 2 March 2022, entitled “Animal welfare-environment-sustainable development nexus”,34 and emphasizes the importance of the One Health approach and other holistic approaches that deliver multiple benefits to the health and well-being of people, animals, plants and ecosystems.
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The Donkey Sanctuary is the world's largest equine welfare charity. Our vision is a world where donkeys and mules live free from suffering and their contribution to humanity is fully valued. We run 10 sanctuaries around the UK and Europe, giving lifelong care to more than 7,000 donkeys and mules. Our hospital treats sick donkeys and trains vets both nationwide and worldwide. Our donkey-facilitated learning programme helps vulnerable children and adults develop life skills by connecting with donkeys on an emotional and physical level. The charity operates programmes worldwide for animals working in agriculture, industry and transportation, and those used in the production of meat and skin.
Please note that the name ‘The Donkey Sanctuary’ should not be abbreviated to ‘Donkey Sanctuary’, and the word ‘The’ should always appear with a capital ‘T’ as above.