Cuba approves animal welfare law after civil society pressure

 

公民社會施壓古巴通過動物保護法

【摘要2021.6.24.自由】◎孫宇青

Cuba has approved a long called-for decree on animal welfare in what some rights activists are hailing as an unusual triumph of civil society in the Communist-run country where animal sacrifice and cock and dog fighting remain commonplace.

古巴通過一項長期以來呼聲不斷的動物保護法，在這個由共產主義者領導，且動物獻祭、鬥雞和鬥狗仍盛行的國家，此事被某些動保人士譽為公民社會罕見的勝利。

For decades though, animal rights activists have called for legislation on animal welfare, largely through official channels in the one-party state.

數十年來，動保人士大多透過一黨專政下的官方管道呼籲訂立動保法。

In recent years, frustrated with the slow pace of change, a younger generation has opted to exert pressure on authorities with marches, protests in public spaces and social media campaigns.

近年來，失望於改變來得太慢的年輕世代，改以遊行、公共場合示威和社群媒體行動，來向當局施壓。

"This has set an example for all communities that want their voice to be heard," said Beatriz Batista, 23, who has become one of the leaders of the movement. "You have to pressure, pressure."（Reuters）

23歲的行動領袖之一碧翠絲．巴提斯塔說：「此事為希望自己的聲音被聽見的所有族群立下典範，你必須不斷施壓。」（路透）

新聞辭典

welfare：名詞，福利；社會救濟。例句：He is a single parent on welfare.（他是一名靠社會救濟生活的單親爸爸。）

decree：名詞，法令；命令。例句：A court decree forcibly ended the protests.（法院頒佈一道命令，強行終止示威活動。）

commonplace：形容詞，普遍的。例句：Bluetooth headsets are increasingly commonplace.（藍芽耳機愈來愈常見。）