Fiji has indicated it will support the proposal of a Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare (UDAW) being endorsed by the United Nations.

Joketani Cokanasiga, Fiji’s Minister for Primary Industries, said: “Our support for UDAW will serve as a catalyst and give momentum to a review of Fiji’s animal welfare practices and legislation, and also of relevant elements of the school curriculum.
"[The UDAW] also recognises there have been major changes in global attitudes toward an understanding of animals, driven by research, education and experience."

WSPA Australia Programmes Manager Emily Reeves celebrated the Fijian government’s endorsement as part of the global push for a Declaration.
“The Fijian government’s decision is a key milestone in the development of this important initiative and we hope that other Pacific islands will follow their lead by recognising the importance of animal welfare. This may extend to influencing support from others in the region too such as Australia and New Zealand, and perhaps even further afield”.

More information is available at http://www.wspa.org.uk