NABR Lauds CITES Decision on Trade of Cambodian Long-Tailed Macaques
On February 5, 2025, the National Association for Biomedical Research (NABR) voiced its approval of the CITES Standing Committee's decision to refrain from placing a trade suspension on Cambodian long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis). This pivotal choice underscores the robust backing from the international community regarding a fair, precise, and scientifically grounded review process. NABR argues that the decision provides crucial time needed for evaluating the situation and counters the misinformation often disseminated by extreme activist organizations. These groups frequently advocate for pseudoscience over legitimate evidence-based policymaking.
Japan's official appeal to the Standing Committee to delay any immediate decisions until a later CITES session highlights the collaborative spirit among numerous countries. Support for Japan's recommendation came from the United States, Canada, Kuwait, and other nations. During the CITES Standing Committee meeting held in Geneva, Switzerland, not a single country backed the secretariat's recommendation to halt trade based on incorrect claims related to the export of macaques from Cambodia.
Instead, several nations, including Japan, Canada, and the U.S., stressed the importance of reviewing newly presented information from Cambodia prior to any action being taken. This committee's decision now allows the CITES secretariat to conduct a thorough assessment and send an official delegation to Cambodia, ensuring that the evaluation process remains transparent and founded on factual evidence.
Moreover, this prudent approach grants the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Natural Resources additional time to complete its examination and oversight on this matter. As Matthew R. Bailey, NABR's director, articulated, "NABR appreciates the Standing Committee acknowledged that careful fact-based deliberation is essential for decisions of this magnitude." He further emphasized that biomedicine’s reliance on the availability of long-tailed macaques is crucial for conducting lifesaving research. This includes advancing treatments for infectious diseases, cancer, and other significant health issues.
The decision made by the international community to reject an unwarranted suspension of the trade represents a noteworthy victory for scientific ethics and public health. NABR remains committed to advocating for science-based policies that ensure decisions regarding the international trade of wildlife support ethical biomedical research and advancements in medicine.
The organization continues to work with global stakeholders to promote transparency, scientific integrity, and responsible usage of research animals in medical research that saves lives. In conclusion, Bailey stated, "We will persist in our efforts to collaborate with all relevant parties globally to support these essential pillars of research integrity."
Founded in 1979, the National Association for Biomedical Research (NABR) represents the lone non-profit organization under 501(c)(6) that focuses on proper public policy concerning the humane use of animals in biomedical research, education, and testing. NABR’s membership includes over 340 universities, medical and veterinary schools, teaching hospitals, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, patient advocacy initiatives, and numerous scientific and professional societies that rely on humane and responsible animal research to promote the health of humans and animals globally. For further details, visit www.nabr.org.
Japan's official appeal to the Standing Committee to delay any immediate decisions until a later CITES session highlights the collaborative spirit among numerous countries. Support for Japan's recommendation came from the United States, Canada, Kuwait, and other nations. During the CITES Standing Committee meeting held in Geneva, Switzerland, not a single country backed the secretariat's recommendation to halt trade based on incorrect claims related to the export of macaques from Cambodia.
Instead, several nations, including Japan, Canada, and the U.S., stressed the importance of reviewing newly presented information from Cambodia prior to any action being taken. This committee's decision now allows the CITES secretariat to conduct a thorough assessment and send an official delegation to Cambodia, ensuring that the evaluation process remains transparent and founded on factual evidence.
Moreover, this prudent approach grants the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Natural Resources additional time to complete its examination and oversight on this matter. As Matthew R. Bailey, NABR's director, articulated, "NABR appreciates the Standing Committee acknowledged that careful fact-based deliberation is essential for decisions of this magnitude." He further emphasized that biomedicine’s reliance on the availability of long-tailed macaques is crucial for conducting lifesaving research. This includes advancing treatments for infectious diseases, cancer, and other significant health issues.
The decision made by the international community to reject an unwarranted suspension of the trade represents a noteworthy victory for scientific ethics and public health. NABR remains committed to advocating for science-based policies that ensure decisions regarding the international trade of wildlife support ethical biomedical research and advancements in medicine.
The organization continues to work with global stakeholders to promote transparency, scientific integrity, and responsible usage of research animals in medical research that saves lives. In conclusion, Bailey stated, "We will persist in our efforts to collaborate with all relevant parties globally to support these essential pillars of research integrity."
About the National Association for Biomedical Research
Founded in 1979, the National Association for Biomedical Research (NABR) represents the lone non-profit organization under 501(c)(6) that focuses on proper public policy concerning the humane use of animals in biomedical research, education, and testing. NABR’s membership includes over 340 universities, medical and veterinary schools, teaching hospitals, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, patient advocacy initiatives, and numerous scientific and professional societies that rely on humane and responsible animal research to promote the health of humans and animals globally. For further details, visit www.nabr.org.
Topics Policy & Public Interest）
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