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Canada Inuit sue EU over seal trade ban

By Bernard Hibbitts (editor) and University of Pittsburgh School of Law students.

[JURIST] Representatives of Canada's Inuit population on Wednesday announced a lawsuit against the European Union (EU) challenging its impending ban on the sale of seal products. The suit, filed in the General Court of the Court of Justice of the EU, seeks to overturn Regulation (EC) No 1007/2009, which is expected to take effect prior to the 2010 seal hunting season. President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK) Mary Simon said: Inuit have been hunting seals and sustaining themselves for food, clothing, and trade for many generations. ... It is bitterly ironic that the EU, which seems entirely at home with promoting massive levels of agri-business and the raising and slaughtering of animals in highly industrialized conditions, seeks to preach some kind of selective elevated morality to Inuit.The legislation suggests a partial exemption for seals hunted by Inuit, though its terms are not defined. The Canadian government took action against the ban in November, initiating the World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute resolution process by requesting consultations. The ban follows extensive public pressure to end seal hunting by groups citing humanitarian considerations. More narrow European restrictions imposed in 1983 caused the industry to suffer a sharp decline. Commercial seal hunting is an economic and cultural staple for the Inuit, who contend that their methods are necessary and humane.

Full post as published by JURIST - The Paper Chase on January 14, 2010 (boomark / email).