Netherlands pushing international ban on trophy hunting

State Secretary Sharon Dijksma of Economic Affairs is pushing for an international ban on trophy hunting, such as hunting lions or elephants. She is currently investigating the possibilities for such a ban. Dijksma also wants the United Nations to recognize wildlife crime as international crime.

The State Secretary said this in a letter to the Tweede Kamer, lower house of parliament, on Tuesday. Dijksma also informed the Kamer that she is organizing an international Wildlife Crime Conference in The Hague in March next year.

"Poaching for ivory and rhino horn for example, is in my eyes a crime that leads to the biodiversity and quality of life in our world being threatened." the State Secretary said. "We need to internationally join hands in order to put an end to this crime. The event in March will contribute to the preservation of wildlife in the world.