More than 80 countries committed themselves to endorsing a wide range of treaties, as recommended by U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan.
“Actions are far more important than words,” says Dr. Jonathan Gallagher, United Nations liaison for the Seventh-day Adventist Church, observing the recent gathering of world leaders at the United Nations headquarters in New York.
“The Millennium Summit held September 6 to 8 provided an opportunity for more than 180 heads of state to address each other and the world on a wide range of subjects,” Gallagher reports, “but the true significance of this unique event is in what is actually accomplished, rather than good speeches. For this reason we believe the commitment to human rights and religious freedom is better demonstrated by those countries that used the Summit to sign and ratify treaties and conventions than any amount of oratorical brilliance.”
More than 80 countries committed themselves to endorsing a wide range of treaties, as recommended by U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan. A “Core Group” of 25 multilateral treaties were proposed, including 13 on human rights, as well as others on refugees, criminal justice, disarmament, and the environment.
“The wave of signings now means many more countries have declared their commitment to human rights and religious liberty, so that they can now be held accountable for any violations,” says Gallagher. “The Public Affairs and Religious Liberty department of the Adventist Church will continue to monitor all countries for violations, especially religious discrimination and intolerance, and provide documentation in our annual World Report on Religious Freedom.”
More than 700 meetings between states were conducted during the Summit, providing the opportunity for dialogue and mutual understanding.
“We see this Summit as a unique opportunity for states to commit themselves to principles of truth and justice, as well as to settle differences among themselves. The people of the world demand wise and courageous leadership, and it is up to world leaders not to disappoint such hopes,” Gallagher adds.
The Summit concluded with a resolution that promotes democracy, supports human rights, and commits world leaders to ending wars. Specifically, the resolution calls on governments and agencies to reduce by one half those who live on less than $1 a day, and to make primary school education universally available for every child. It also calls for the spread of diseases such as HIV/AIDS and malaria to be halted, and for the number of people who do not have access to clean water to be cut by 50 percent.