Worldlog week 37 – 2015

Last June, the court ruled in favour of the environmental group Urgenda in the so-called ‘Climate Case’. The court judged that the Dutch State should do more to reduce its CO2 emissions. It is of course sad that it was necessary to file a lawsuit against the State because it did not take sufficient action to protect its citizens against the effects of climate change. I was delighted that the court granted the claim of the environmental group Urgenda. After all, the Netherlands severely lags behind in reducing its CO2 emissions; much improvement is still needed! But the story becomes even sadder… The State will now appeal against the court’s decision. Unbelievable, it is completely absurd that the government is not willing to better protect its own citizens and the climate. Why would they, as the government, not take that responsibility?

The College of Human Rights last week pointed at something else particular in Dutch politics. Thanks to a new bill regarding intelligence and security services it will be possible for the government to wiretap all Dutch citizens. Even if they are not suspected of anything! For the bill does not contain anything on the safeguarding of privacy. Nor is there need to ask any authority for permission. The approval of the Minister of the Interior is enough. At least the governments in Sweden, Germany and Belgium first require the permission of an independent authority, for example of a court, before they can start wiretapping. The Party for the Animals believes that the safeguarding of citizens’ privacy is important. I will thus oppose to this plan.

On Thursday, animal rights groups and other concerned citizens demonstrated in favour of a mink farming ban. Mink fur is a very cruel and, moreover, superfluous luxury product. The farming of minks for fur production was supposed to be banned in a few years. Mink farmers did not agree and went to court. They won their case at the time. Fortunately, State Secretary Dijksma did not let it lie and she filed an appeal. This court case took place last Thursday. Before the start, several animal rights activists held a peaceful manifestation in front of the court building. The court decision was not yet known when I was writing this Worldlog, so this will be continued!

‘MEGA fed up’, the demonstration against mega stables was highly successful. Many concerned citizens gathered at the Malieveld in The Hague to let the government know that factory farming should stop. Our Member of the Upper House Christine Teunissen held a speech. Of course many members of the Party for the Animals were present! Click here for a photo report.

In short, many citizens expressed their opinion, which I think is great to see. Hold on to your ideals.

Kind regards,

Marianne