Attending the 61st Human Rights Commission of the United Nations (UNCHR) this month (April), Seventh-day Adventist church representative Dr. Jonathan Gallagher addressed the body on matters of great concern such as religious persecution, freedom of conscience, and women’s rights; and to plead for a ban on the imposition of the death penalty for changing religion.

"The Commission remains a vital forum for presenting human rights issues," says Gallagher. "Despite the negative attitude to the Commission on the part of some, sometimes with good reason, we believe it is essential to be here and make sure we are able to voice our concerns."

Gallagher states that he presented five statements on behalf of the Adventist church. The key issues, according to Gallagher, were violations of human rights, religious intolerance and persecution by states and majority religions, women’s and children’s rights, and the problems faced by religious majorities.

Another key aspect of the Commission is the opportunity to speak one-on-one with Ambassadors and country representatives, Gallagher observes. "While much of what we discuss cannot be reported, it is perhaps here that the access to diplomats is most useful. Many issues and problems can be solved through such 'quiet diplomacy,'" he notes, "and at the same time the Adventist church is becoming much better known for its values and principles. We simply cannot afford to stay away."

Assisting Gallagher in his work this year were intern Nuno Macedo from Portugal, and observer Lisa Jean Verona from Italy/USA. The Commission runs from March 14 to April 22. The Church statements made to the Commission are available at http://un.adventist.org

The Seventh-day Adventist Church, as a Christian World Communion, has held consultative status with the Economic and Social Committee of the UN (ECOSOC) for a number of years, and is consulted on a wide range of different subjects including religious freedom, human rights, health and medical work, education

The Adventist Church's Liaison Office to the United Nations is based at the Church's world headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland, USA and works as part of the Public Affairs and Religious Liberty department It serves to both communicate and represent the Church at the UN and also to inform the Church of UN activities of importance and interest. The Office is also in contact with other bodies, such as the European Union, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, other international governmental organizations, as well as non-government organizations. [Editor: Jonathan Gallagher and Christian B. Schaeffler for APD]