WCC NEWS: WCC general secretary, envoy from Marshall Islands reaffirm stand for nuclear justice

During the 63rd Session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, presidential envoy for nuclear justice and human rights Senator David Anitok met with World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay. Credits: WCC 07 October 2026 The meeting reaffirmed the deep-rooted partnership between the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the WCC—a bond dating back to 1983 when late Darlene Keju appeared at the WCC and urged the world to stand with the Marshallese who were severely affected and developed illnesses due to nuclear weapons testing.  Together, Anitok, accompanied by a delegation, and Pillay discussed ongoing efforts surrounding the Republic of the Marshall Islands Human Rights Council Resolution on the nuclear legacy under Agenda Item 10, emphasizing transitional justice, peace, and nonviolence. Joining Anitok for this meaningful exchange were national nuclear commissioner Alson Kelen, deputy permanent representative Samuel Lanwi Jr., and Giulia Principi, human rights officer from the Marshall Islands Permanent Mission in Geneva. Anitok expressed gratitude to the World Council of Churches for its steadfast solidarity and ongoing advocacy alongside the Marshallese people in their pursuit of nuclear justice and a world free from nuclear weapons, and also for hosting a side event for nuclear truth for the Marshall Islands that included the National Nuclear Commission for the Republic of the Marshall Islands. See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 356 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches Chemin du Pommier 42 Kyoto Building Le Grand-Saconnex CH-1218 Switzerland