IWC doors are opened to NGOs and media

As the IWC opens its doors once more to NGOs and the media on day three, it appears we’re no closer to an agreement of any kind. I’ll continue our updates here and on Twitter as the meeting goes on.

In the meantime, it’s sadly time to say goodbye to Sami Lukis, who is heading back to Sydney. Here are Sami’s parting thoughts on her experience of the IWC.

Thank you Sami for all of your support as ambassador for our Give Whales A Voice campaign!

Emily Reeves, WSPA

I can't believe I have to leave Agadir already - and the doors have only just re-opened to NGO's. Thank you so much to Optus and WSPA for this incredible opportunity. As an observer, it's been a once in a lifetime (and remarkably eye-opening) experience.

It's so frustrating to see that so many people have made the journey to Agadir, only to be shut out by the IWC for the first two days of discussions. It's like a slap in the face to the people of WSPA and the other welfare organisations, who came here to give the whales a voice. How can the IWC expect to reach any kind of agreement on the future of whaling, when they close the door on those who want to protect them?

The dedication and determination of the people of WSPA is truly inspirational. They realise they're fighting an incredibly tough battle, but they refuse to give up. For example, the press conference held by WSPA on Tuesday was a brilliant success. The support of our environment minister Peter Garrett certainly got the attention of the world media.

I leave Agadir and the IWC wishing there was more I could do. I am only one voice, but that is one more voice supporting a complete ban on whaling. I hope that every voice will one day be heard by the IWC. And together we can find a way to stop this horrific, inherently cruel practice.

I leave today as a room full of commissioners and government reps from all over the globe sit together to decide the fate of these beautiful creatures.

It defies logic to me that anyone of them could support the practice of whaling and be content to allow the horrific slaughter to continue. In any ocean. In any capacity. Whatsoever.

The message is so clear. And so simple. Whaling is cruel and it must be stopped.

Sami Lukis

You can help to Give Whales A Voice today! Together anything is possible.