By Dr. Sabine Brels, Founding Director of World Animal Justice (WAJ), January 27, 2025
At World Animal Justice (WAJ), we are proud to partner with Asia for Animals, the largest coalition of animal welfare organizations in Asia, to spotlight a critical milestone in the global fight for animal justice—the release of our groundbreaking report, Filling the Accountability Gap for Animals in International Criminal Law.
This pivotal report introduces the concept of crimes against animality, emphasizing the urgent need for legal recognition and protection of the fundamental interests of animals—including their right to life, freedom, integrity, and well-being. Animals worldwide continue to suffer from industrial exploitation, institutionalized cruelty, or war-related harm, yet existing legal frameworks fail to adequately safeguard them. The WAJ report aims to bridge this gap by laying out key legal reforms to ensure that animals are recognized as sentient beings with inherent rights, rather than mere resources or commodities.
While this proposal may seem like a long-term goal, WAJ is committed to laying the groundwork based on concrete expert recommendations. We recognize that such a profound legal change will not happen overnight, but by acting today, we increase the chances of making it a reality in the future. (READ THE FULL REPORT HERE)
Why This Milestone Matters for Asia and the World
Across Asia, where cultural traditions and rapid industrialization intersect, the plight of animals is particularly significant. The report advocates for a new legal framework to address the systematic exploitation of animals, such as factory farming, animal experimentation, and live animal trade. Ensuring the legal protection of animals across the Asia-Pacific region will not only improve their welfare but also contribute to environmental sustainability and public health, aligning with the region’s increasing focus on global safety and ecological progress.
Proposed Elements of Crimes Against Animality
A groundbreaking feature of the report is its core proposal to recognize crimes against animality within international criminal law. Modeled on the concept of crimes against humanity, this definition aims to criminalize:
Mass killings (e.g., industrial slaughter, poaching)
Severe confinement (e.g., factory farming conditions)
Forced labor (e.g., exploitation of working animals)
Inhumane transport (e.g., long-haul live animal exports)
Torture and abuse, including cruel medical testing
Sexual violence, such as forced impregnation practices in farming
Environmental destruction devastating animal species and populations
Recognizing these offenses as core crimes under international law would hold perpetrators accountable, ensuring that animals receive protection on a global scale.
Key Proposals from WAJ Experts
Led by WAJ Director Sabine Brels, and including the contributions of distinguished legal professionals including Marine Lercier, Rimona Afana, Saba Pipia, Deborah Cao, and Vanessa Man-Yi Wong, the report outlines key recommendations to globally strengthen the legal protections of animals:
Expanding Legal Definitions: Broaden the scope of “victims” under international law to include animals.
Incorporating Animal Protection in International Humanitarian Law: Recognize animals as protected entities in conflict zones.
Legal Accountability for Corporate and State Actors: Ensure responsibility for large-scale exploitation.
Dynamic Interpretation of Existing Laws: Utilize current legal frameworks to expand animal protection.
Advocating for Rome Statute Amendments: Introduce crimes against animality into the ICC framework.
Global Cooperation: Foster collaboration between nations and advocacy groups to push for legislative change.
Educational Outreach: Increase awareness of the legal and ethical imperatives of animal protection.
Connecting Ethical and Environmental Imperatives
The WAJ report places animal justice at the forefront and within a broader ethical and environmental framework. By recognizing the shared vulnerabilities of humans, animals, and ecosystems, the report emphasizes the urgent need for systemic change. From factory farming’s environmental toll to the role of wildlife trafficking in organized crime, the report highlights how protecting animals advances global stability, sustainability, and justice for all. Addressing crimes against animality is not only a moral obligation, but a vital step towards a sustainable and just future for all.
Asia-Pacific Animal Law Overview: Building Legal Foundations
Our efforts to advance animal justice in the region are bolstered by initiatives such as the Asia-Pacific Animal Law Overview, previously launched by WAJ with key support from the Asia for Animals Policy Coalition. This comprehensive resource provides valuable insights into the current legal landscape, identifying strengths and gaps in animal protection laws across the region.
Explore more about the Asia-Pacific Animal Law Overview and WAJ’s commitment to legal advocacy in Asia here.
Join the Movement
WAJ’s vision to build a world of justice for animals extends beyond theoretical frameworks. Our mission is to ensure that crimes against animality are treated with the same gravity as crimes against humanity. This milestone report is a call to action for policymakers, advocates, and citizens alike to push for legal reforms and stand against the systematic abuse of animals.
Visit World Animal Justice to learn more and support our work to legally protect animal rights and globally end animal crimes. Together, we can create a just world for all sentient beings.
Contact Information
LinkedIn: @WorldAnimalJustice
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