Demonstrators arrested at International Whaling Commission Meeting in Santiago Chile

The IWC is the international commission that regulates matters regarding whales in the oceans, including the controversial whaling by Japan, Norway, Iceland and indigenous tribes of North America. Commercial whaling has been banned since 1986, however these nations have completely ignored the majority vote that banned hunting.

The IWC is not equipped to handle the gross irresponsibility of these nations, so the hunt continues.

The protesters are opposed to pseudo-scientific hunting programme by Japan which has killed an estimated 30,000 whales since the start of the moratorium in 1986, including endangered humpback and fin whales. Activists oppose to all forms of whaling mainly because whale stocks are fighting to recover from near extinction. The local animal organization, Coalition for the Rights Animals (Coalición por los Derechos Animales (CDA)) has been preparing for this meeting since December last year, organizing protests outside the embassies of Japan and Norway. The group, in coordination with several organizations in the country, has collected over 25,000 signatures against whaling for submission to the Commission, has worked together with more groups and conducted information stands.

"It's the responsibility of each person to take action against whaling, to do everything we can agree to warn the public" said Gabriela, a member of CDA. "Each way of life is unique and invaluable. These species are at risk only supported by a few governments that are trying to keep alive misplaced bloody traditions."

Activists have travelled to Chile from around the world to be a voice of resistance to the killing of whales with a message attached in order to stop all kinds of whaling. Members of Cascadia Earth First! joined local efforts to send a clear message to the whaling nations that most people around the world want to see whales survive.

"It's only a small majority which could lead to these animals extinction and therefore it is the responsibility of all to protect whales and prevent that from happening," said Scys India from the United States.

Today, activists from CDA and Juve ran towards the hotel to try to break into the hotel. There was police repression with the arrival of a bus of Carabineros, water and tear-gas canon vehicle, and intense police presence. Most of the demonstrators were detained. The Conference continued while Protestors were screaming and dragged out of the area.

Protests and information activities will continue throughout the course of the meeting.

http://www.derechos-animales.com

Protest Video: http://www.youtube.com/v/5ff2jC0D4Ck

Source:
Original Spanish story on Santiago Indymedia: MANIFESTANTES ARRESTADOS EN REUNIÓN DE COMISIÓN BALLENERA INTERNACIONAL This is a translation utilising Google Translation machine service with some grammatical correction by myself - Takver - Sydney Indymedia