Aim

The aim of RAWS is to provide an overarching, agreed framework and guidance for WOAH Members, non-WOAH members and partners in the region when implementing WOAH Standards, and to serve as the basis for the development of Action Plans.

Vision

Our vision is a region where the welfare of animals is respected, promoted and incrementally advanced, simultaneously with the pursuit of progress and socioeconomic development. This vision presents both significant challenges and opportunities. These are reflected in the priority goals and their supporting objectives and specific activities.

History

Development and implementation of the RAWS has been supported by the Australian Government through the Australian Animal Welfare Strategy. The aim of the Australian Animal Welfare Strategy is to assist in the creation of a more consistent and effective animal welfare system. One of the goals of the Australian Animal Welfare Strategy is to ensure that Australia is actively engaged in international partnerships and developments to improve animal welfare. Australia has provided leadership and some funding to support the development of the regional animal welfare strategy in collaboration with WOAH.

The Director General of the WOAH (formerly known as OIE) agreed to establish a RAWS Coordination Group (RAWS CG) and nominated then-OIE regional representatives, industry, and an animal welfare international non-government organisation as its members. Dr Gardner Murray was appointed as chair and the first meeting of the RAWS CG was held in Bangkok, Thailand on 28 – 29 April 2010.

Since its first meeting in April 2010, the RAWS CG has progressed a number of recommendations through then-OIE Headquarters in Paris for endorsement through the Regional Commission. Highlights of the coordination group’s activities include:

1. establishment of a secretariat within the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) to support the activities of RAWS AG
2. translation of RAWS into four languages with copies provided to the relevant countries for further distribution
3. ensuring RAWS visibility on websites including the regional WOAH animal welfare site and the animal welfare site of Australia’s DAFF
4. establishing RAWS newsletters circulated on a quarterly basis, including short information contributions from countries, NGOs and industry. RAWS-News is available on this page, further below (RAWS Newsletters sub-menu)
5. development of an Action Plan to define and track activities under the RAWS. The Action Plan notes the key role of WOAH Delegates in progressing the RAWS Action Plan, including reporting on developments for inclusion in the RAWS newsletter
6. providing support and impetus for the delivery of an initial practical animal welfare training course in the region (the first course was held in Malaysia in 2011)
7. supporting the establishment of national animal welfare committees in the region
8. supporting (through the Terrestrial Animal Health Code Commission and the Animal Welfare Working Group) a review of the current WOAH standards for the commercial slaughter of poultry for human consumption by addressing feedback from Thailand arising from an EU fact-finding mission
9. actively working with WOAH National Focal Points for Animal Welfare to promote RAWS initiatives
10. networking with WOAH Collaborating Centres and supporting initiatives relating to the twinning of regional universities and research centres
11. development of a RAWS communication strategy endorsed through the Regional Commission, and
12. the publication and distribution of RAWS (Edition 1 and Edition 2), and its translation.

Introduction

RAWS Coordination Group was replaced by the RAWS Advisory Group (AG). The advisory group has since carried on and implemented activities proposed based on activities proposed in action plans. The AG works towards a region where the welfare of animals is respected, promoted and incrementally advanced, simultaneously with the pursuit of progress and socioeconomic development.

Purpose

RAWS AG supports the implementation of the WOAH Regional Animal Welfare Strategy for Asia and the Pacific and ensures it remains up-to-date. The group’s Terms of Reference (2022 May) are available here.

Activities in the Region

• International Effort to Reduce, Replace and Refine Animal Use in Research and Testing (Jun 2024)
• Philippines: the impact of emergencies on animal health – film documentary (Oct 2023)
• Using WOAH Standards to support animal welfare in the region (Sep 2023)
• “One World One Welfare” webinar, Iran (Jul 2020)
• Regional Training Seminar for OIE National Focal Points on Animal Welfare (Nov 2019)

Administration

The Secretariat is provided by the WOAH Regional Representation for Asia and the Pacific (RRAP) based in Tokyo, Japan. She/he works closely with the Chair in organising and reporting on meetings and in carrying out a range of RAWS functions including monitoring progress against RAWS, coordination of activities and sharing information, preparation of newsletters, updating the RAWS website. The RAWS AG meets virtually, usually twice a year, and communicates through e-mail and teleconference as necessary.  Any face-to-face meeting will be subject to funding availability, self-funded or otherwise, or held in conjunction with other opportunities (i.e., WOAH National Focal Points for Animal Welfare in-person training, Regional Commission conferences).

RAWS AG members

RAWS AG members list was endorsed at the Regional Commission meeting on 14 May 2024; below is the list presented by the Chair to the President of the Regional Commission during the meeting.