A UK proposal aimed at cleaning up the International Whaling Commission (IWC) was adopted by consensus at the forum’s 63rd annual meeting in Jersey.
IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare), which backed the paper as a vital measure to secure the IWC’s future credibility and effectiveness, believes the final resolution is a step in the right direction for the forum, despite some of its initial proposals being dropped to achieve vital backing from all member countries.
In recent years the IWC has been stung by widely reported accusations of corruption. In light of this, the UK submitted proposals aimed at reducing secrecy in the IWC, outlawing last minute cash payment of dues and ensuring improved governance and proper and timely reporting of Commission decisions within 14 days of meetings having taken place.
Following lengthy debate between many of the IWC’s 89 member countries over the last two days, proposals on NGO participation were dropped from the final UK resolution, but the proposal on banning cash payments, which had divided many, was retained.
Early attempts to achieve consensus initially failed on the issue of payment of dues, with the UK sticking firmly to its resolve to replace cash payments with bank transfers from recognised Government or State institution accounts and refusing to compromise and accept banker’s drafts as a suggested alternative.
After more negotiation, a slight amendment was made to payment regulations. Countries whose payments were received late by the IWC but who could show their payments had been made properly by bank transfer would be counted as received in special circumstances if delays were beyond their control. The amended package was accepted by the forum on consensus.
Robbie Marsland, UK Director of IFAW, said: “IFAW acknowledges the fantastic efforts and determination of the UK delegation in putting this proposal together and ensuring its success. They and the countries which backed it are responsible for achieving progress for the IWC and for whales.”
