Since 2007, nearly 6,000 rhinos have been illegally killed in South Africa, home to the world's largest rhino population.
Despite intense efforts by many African governments to combat it, poaching of rhinos in Africa continues unabated due to consumer demand from countries like Vietnam, where criminal gangs are smuggling in thousands of rhino horns a year.
Vietnam's government has done almost nothing to end the slaughter.
World Wildlife Fund officials from around the globe will be in Vietnam in November, when the country hosts the critical International Conference on Illegal Wildlife Trade.
Help us show the Vietnamese government the world cares about rhinos.Sign our letter now, and we’ll deliver it in person to government officials in November.
Dear Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc,
Subject: Act Now to Save Rhinos
Across Africa, thousands of rhinos and elephants are being poached every year for their horns and tusks. Many of these end up for sale in Viet Nam or are then smuggled to other markets. Viet Nam has become a major global wildlife trafficking hub. Your government has committed itself to combating wildlife crime.
Concrete action from Viet Nam could play a critical role in tackling the poaching crisis that not only threatens Africa's rhinos and elephants but also endangers communities by robbing them of their natural heritage and livelihoods. But very little has been done. It is time to act.
Illegal rhino horn and ivory are still openly for sale in wildlife markets and on social media/online. Yet there has not been a single recorded prosecution of a rhino horn or ivory trafficker.
As the host of the Hanoi Illegal Wildlife Trade Conference, Viet Nam has a golden opportunity to crackdown on wildlife crime and contribute to saving two of the world's most iconic species. I urge you to take all necessary measures to close down the market and end illicit trade in rhino horn and ivory in Viet Nam.
[Your comments]
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
