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• Adventist UN Liaison Director Affirms Actions to Eliminate Landmines
• UN Liaison Director Calls World Conference Against Racism "Tragically Disappointing"
• First Interns Commence Work at New York Office

Adventist UN Liaison Director Affirms Actions to Eliminate Landmines

As national representatives gathered in Managua, Nicaragua September 18-21 for the annual review of the United Nations Mine-Ban Convention, UN Liaison director for the Seventh-day Adventist Church Dr Jonathan Gallagher affirmed "all actions that will lead to the elimination of these abominable weapons of destruction."

Speaking at the Church's world headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland, USA, Gallagher said that "the world is a better place because of the 1997 Convention outlawing the production trade and use of landmines. More than 27 million landmines have now been destroyed in over 50 countries, and the number of countries producing such weapons has fallen from 55 to 14."

According to a 1,175 page report by the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (www.icbl.org) governments have now earmarked over $1 billion to mine action programs, including clearance and stockpile destruction. A total of 141 countries have now signed the Convention banning the use of landmines. Those that have not signed include Afghanistan, China, Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Myanmar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and the United States of America, among others.

UN Secretary General Kofi Annan in his message to the meeting said that "As you meet in the aftermath of the terrible tragedy that occurred in the United States a week ago today, this gathering takes on even greater significance. Never has there been a greater need for the world to show unity and purpose against the forces of violence and destruction."

Between 15,000 and 20,000 people become victims of landmines each year, down from an annual figure of 26,000 before the Convention was adopted. Ninety countries are affected by landmines, with Macedonia and Uzbekistan now added to the list due to new mine-laying activities.

"The Adventist Church has consistently deplored violence and the use of destructive weapons, and this especially applies to such devices that lay hidden in the ground to maim and kill," Says Gallagher. "Children are frequently victims of landmines, and their young lives are shattered as a result. We unequivocally support all attempts to rid the world of these appalling armaments. The words of the Adventist Statement on Assault Weapons apply equally here: 'The teachings and example of Christ constitute the guide for the Christian today. Christ came into the world to save lives, not to destroy them… Jesus did not engage in violence.'"

The Managua meeting examined the progress towards the total elimination of land mines, including the extent of mine clearance and technological progress to accomplish this; stockpile destruction; victim assistance, and the actual operation of the convention and public awareness.

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UN Liaison Director Calls World Conference Against Racism "Tragically Disappointing"

"The UN World Conference Against Racism which has just ended in Durban was tragically disappointing," says Dr. Jonathan Gallagher, UN Liaison director for the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

"Instead of focusing on the pressing problems of racism and other forms of intolerance that are endemic in our world today, the Conference was hijacked by groups with their own agendas," Gallagher continues. "The whole world has missed a historic opportunity to combat discrimination and intolerance, and it is desperately sad that the nations could not focus on the huge issues we face without politicizing the whole event."

The conflict has exposed deep-seated differences and some believe this has done more harm than good. While the final declaration is an attempt to promote a global consensus against racism, the Conference will be remembered for its controversy and antagonism.

As UN Secretary General Kofi Annan concluded, "It is unfortunate that one or two issues have dominated and that we did not have the kind of balanced discussion and exposure that one would have liked."

Adventists were represented by the Church's president for southern Africa, Dr. V. S. Wakaba, though the Church has not endorsed the Conference's actions or declarations, since any affirmation could be misunderstood.

"Adventists have always rejected any form of racial discrimination," comments Gallagher. "Our belief, based on the Bible, is that all men and women are our brothers and sisters. So we reject racism and related forms of intolerance as totally in opposition to Christian principles and the gospel. We will continue to do our part in breaking down the walls of intolerance and support honest efforts to remove the scourge of racism from our societies."

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First Interns Commence Work at New York Office

L to R: Samantha Burchard, Dr. Jonathan Gallagher, Matt Mills.

Commencing September 24, 2001, the very first UN Volunteer interns began working at the New York office. Matt Mills and Samantha Burchard, graduates from Pacific Union College in California, are looking forward to this exciting assignment, and were on hand at the recent ASI convention in Sacramento, CA, to share in the UN Liaison office's presence there.

"We are so delighted to appoint Samantha and Matt to this brand-new program," says Jonathan Gallagher, UN Liaison director for the Seventh-day Adventist Church. "We know they will be making a great contribution to what we need to accomplish at the UN headquarters in New York. As they work together with diplomats, UN staff, and leaders of other organizations, they will be able to provide a consistent and effective voice for the Church.'

Rod Colburn, Matt Mills, Samantha Burchard, Jonathan Gallagher

The new interns are also liaising closely with the Metro Ministries team that is working in New York. Rod Colburn of Metro Ministries has graciously offered accomodation and to assist with travel arrangements.

"We're very appreciative of this wonderful offer that will help Samantha and Matt, and will also help coordinate the various activities in New York," comments Gallagher. "These are truly significant opportunities that will be of great benefit to the continuing outreach work of the Adventist Church."

Pacific Union College's Z Magazine published an interview with UN Liaison Officers Matt Mills and Samantha Burchard in their fourth issue. To read it click here.

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