The Party for the Animals takes the principles laid down in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) and the Earth Charter (1987) as its point of departure. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights establishes the conditions under which people can live and educate themselves in freedom and without (the fear of) repression and violence. The Earth Charter formulates the basis for the preservation of both the Earth as an ecosystem and the human community.

The Party for the Animals works from the principle that ‘all beings are interdependent and every form of life has value regardless of its worth to human beings’ (Earth Charter, article 1.1) and believes that, as a corollary, people ‘should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood’ (Universal Declaration of Human Rights, article 1). This starting point is used as much as possible for the various different policy areas, some of which are mentioned here.

The Party for the Animals believes that people within our society should have respect for each other’s cultures and beliefs, insofar that these do not contravene the laws of our country and those of the EU. This also entails that people have ‘duties to the community in which alone the free and full development of his personality is possible’ (Universal Declaration of Human Rights, article 29).

In accordance with article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, education should be directed at ‘the full development of the human personality and to the strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. It shall promote understanding, tolerance and friendship among all nations, racial or religious groups’.

When implementing economic and ecological measures, one should strive for all people to have a standard of living that is high enough for their health and welfare. The labour market must be accessible to as many people as possible.

The economy and social life must not be governed purely by financial factors. People have a right to safe, clean, natural and carefully designed surroundings. As social beings, people also have a need for social contacts and a human environment. The government must, therefore, promote (economic) activities that take these factors into account.

Amongst other things, this includes the conservation and stimulation of small-scale (agricultural) businesses, ensuring the liveability of urban neighbourhoods, villages and rural areas in general, personal service provision by companies, etc.

Immigration should also take place in a controlled fashion. In principle, the population should not grow any further as a result. Immigrants are expected to learn the language themselves and to adopt the social skills that are necessary to function within Dutch society. The government must ensure that this happens and provide the necessary assistance. Whenever high birth rates, unemployment and poverty are the causes of immigrations, then the government should tackle these causes internationally by means of development aid, education and international agreements.

Finally, foreign policy should focus on reducing the mounting tensions in the world. It is necessary to explore the causes of the tensions and conflicts, rather than just simply respond to the violence that is generated by deep-lying causes. Indeed, this is how vicious circles of violence are created, which lead people to increasingly extreme beliefs and deeds. The breeding ground for violence, international politics and military conflicts should be eradicated and the Netherlands should preferably play a role in this, rather than participating in military missions.