Worldlog 29 March 2016

With the Paris attacks still fresh in our minds, we were again shocked by a terror attack last week. This time it happened in the capital of our neighbouring country; Brussels. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families. The attacks in Brussels affect us all. Yet again, it shows that it is important that we do not only have to overcome terrorism but also our fears. We must actively build a society of more solidarity and togetherness. A society where we learn to overcome our fears and to cherish our freedom. So that young people do not go off the rails but are given perspective.

Ukraine
According to research, one in twenty children in Ukraine between 5 and 14 years is involved in child labour, in particular in the agricultural and mining sectors. Until recently, the Government warned Dutch entrepreneurs who wished to conduct activities in Ukraine against child labour. On a specific government’s site for entrepreneurs in the Netherlands it said: “in particular if you wish to conduct activities in the agricultural or construction sectors, there is a substantial chance that a production company or building contractor will use child labour.” This warning was taken from their website only recently.

Very strange, especially because it is so close to the Dutch referendum on 6 April on the Association Agreement (Trade Agreement) with Ukraine. I think it is highly unlikely that the situation in Ukraine has changed all of a sudden. The US Ministry of Foreign Affairs is still warning against child labour in Ukraine, in particular in the agricultural and mining sectors, but also against the use of children in the porn industry, as child soldiers and street sellers. Why does our Government no longer mention this? Of course I asked parliamentary questions!

Anja Hazekamp, our Party Chairman in the European Parliament, was hailed as the most animal-friendly MEP. It is of course great that Anja’s hard work does not go unnoticed and is appreciated, but the annual awards for MEPs are largely sponsored by the gigantic industry lobby in Brussels. Anja has made it known that she will not accept the award. After all, the Party for Animals wants to stop the huge influence of lobbyists in Brussels. Good choice, Anja!

This week, The Guardian reported on the most recent research, which showed that eating less meat has a great effect in the fight against climate change.

Our British sister party, the Animal Welfare Party, approached Morrisey to stand for Mayor for London! He is seriously thinking about it. Read about it here.

Kind regards,

Marianne