Do primates have human rights?

“[ ] More precisely, the human being be- longs to an order of more than primate species. Therefore, nonhuman primates — like human beings — are entitled to a fundamental right to life and a fundamental right to bodily integrity.

What is a non-human primate?

Non-human primates are a group of mammals composed of simians – monkeys and apes – and prosimians, such as lemurs. The most frequently used primate species are the long-tailed macaque and the rhesus monkey (both Old World monkeys).

Who are the non-human great apes?

Primate species in research include rhesus macaques, crab-eating macaques, stump-tailed macaques, pig-tailed macaques, squirrel monkeys, owl monkeys, baboons, chimpanzees, marmosets and spider monkeys.

How are non-human primates similar to humans?

Because primates are related, they are genetically similar. Human DNA is, on average, 96% identical to the DNA of our most distant primate relatives, and nearly 99% identical to our closest relatives, chimpanzees and bonobos.

Are there restrictions on the use of non-human primates?

The Boyd Group, a British group comprising animal researchers, philosophers, primatologists, and animal advocates, has recommended a global prohibition on the use of great apes. The use of non-human primates in the EU is regulated under the Directive 2010/63/EU. The directive took effect on January 1, 2013.

What are the rights of a nonhuman animal?

Our groundbreaking work challenges an archaic, unjust legal status quo that views and treats all nonhuman animals as “things” with no rights. As with human rights, nonhuman rights are based on fundamental values and principles of justice such as liberty, autonomy, equality, and fairness.

Is the Nonhuman Rights Project a human rights organization?

Humans are not the only animals entitled to recognition and protection of their fundamental rights. The Nonhuman Rights Project is the only civil rights organization in the United States dedicated solely to securing rights for nonhuman animals.

When did they start testing non human primates?

The directive took effect on January 1, 2013. The directive permits the use of non-human primates if no other alternative methods are available. Testing on non-human primates is permitted for basic and applied research, quality and safety testing of drugs, food and other products and research aimed on the preservation of the species.