Advocacy
To advocate is to speak up on behalf of someone else asking for justice
UNJPPI ADVOCACY
United Network for Justice and Peace in Palestine/Israel (UNJPPI) believes advocacy by individuals and communities of faith is a natural consequence of learning about the occupation and the lack of human rights for Palestinians.
The churches of Palestine have called on us to support them in their struggle for justice.
UNJPPI advocates to:
The United Church of Canada
Since 2012 UNJPPI has been advocating with the United Church of Canada to become more active in supporting the call of the Palestinian Church. Learn more about the history of UNJPPI. UNJPPI works with General Council staff to strengthen our voice as a church.
The United Church has been sending Ecumenical Accompaniers to Palestine since 2003 through the World Council of Churches with the EAPPI program. Ecumenical Accommpaniers (EAs) are volunteers who serve 3-month terms in the occupied Palestinian territories, as human rights monitors and accompaniers to vulnerable communities and individuals. Their role is to witness and support while in Palestine and to return as advocates for justice.
While advocating to the United Church of Canada sometimes feels slow, since 2012 we have seen a shift in the understanding of individual United Church members and the broader church around Palestinian issues. Learn more about the history of the United Church in relation to Israel & Palestine.
Since the fall of 2023 the United Church of Canada has become more outspoken in its support of justice for Palestinians culminating in August 13 with its letter to the Prime Minister asking Canada to break off diplomatic relations with Israel as a response to the opinion of the International Court of Justice.
The Government of Canada
The United Network for Justice and Peace in Palestine and Israel (UNJPPI) advocates to members of Parliament, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Prime Minister. We remind them that their stated policy is that settlements are illegal and ask them to ban settlement products. We ask that they support Palestinian human rights at the United Nations. We talk to them about the arrest and imprisonment of children.
We have particularly appreciated the work of M.P. Heather McPherson as she called for an embargo on arms to Israel and the recognition of a Palestinian state.
Other Churches and People of Faith
UNJPPI works with United Church of Canada General Council staff as well as with Quakers, Presbyterians, United Methodists in the U.S., the American United Church of Christ, Sabeel Ecumenical Liberation Theology Center in Jerusalem and with non-faith based groups.
Together we are stronger.
United Network for Justice and Peace in Palestine/Israel sees advocacy by individuals and communities of faith as a consequence of learning about the occupation and the lack of human rights for Palestinians.
We become advocates because the churches of Palestine have called on us to support them in their struggle for justice. Education leads to advocacy, which in turn leads to further education, and more advocacy. We speak for those who may not be able to speak for themselves in the search for justice, and amplify the voices of those who are calling for justice from Palestine and Israel.