Cruelty Free International launches fresh appeal to UN

Celebrity backing​

The non-profit organisation has collaborated with British celebrities including actress Joanna Lumley and singer Leona Lewis to advocate for an international convention to remove animal testing from cosmetics.

In a bid to encourage further movement towards animal-free cosmetics testing, Cruelty Free International has asked Antonio Guterres, General Secretary of the UN, to create one clear and specific set of rules that can be applied around the world.

The current campaign argues that this should occur in the interests of animals, consumers and industry.

United front​

"If we work together we can end cruel cosmetics testing - every company, every person, for every animal. Let's ban it now and for always,” said Joanna Lumley, actress and supporter of Cruelty Free International.

As part of the global launch, and to support successful movements to date in India, New Zealand and Taiwan, Cruelty Free International organised a flash mob outside of the UN headquarters in New York, US, to launch its latest campaign.

The organisation argues, that at present, the industry is suffering as “current rules are [a] patchwork with different regulations in different places”.

"It's time for clear global leadership,” said Michelle Thew, CEO, Cruelty Free International.

“We're asking the UN to take decisive action and adopt an international convention that puts in place one set of harmonised rules which end outdated, cruel animal testing for cosmetics forever,” Thew added.

Leona Lewis, singer and supporter of Cruelty Free International campaign, emphasised: "The only way to make sure no animal suffers for cosmetics is a global ban that ends cruel testing everywhere. Let's unite for cruelty free cosmetics."

Alternative methods​

Today, the organisation is hailed as a leading international authority on animal cruelty issues and has advised governments, media and official bodies on advice and experts.

To date, it has had a significant part in the animal cosmetics testing in APAC countries including India, South Korea and New Zealand.

Non-animal alternative testing remains the priority for supporters fighting for a global ban on animal testing.

In January, we reported how the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has updated rules relating to animal toxicity studies to back alternative testing methods.​

While countries have, or are in the process of banning animal cosmetics testing, the organisation continues to strive towards implementing a global ban and adopting non-animal alternative methods.