New Zealand remembers Christchurch Mosque Attacks with a call to combat hate and promote unity
On 15 March, New Zealand remembers the devastating mosque attacks that took place in Christchurch four years ago. In a message, Mervin Singham, Chief Executive of the Ethnic Communities Ministry, said the tragic incident still etched in our minds reminds us of the dangers of hate and racism when allowed to grow into a real threat.
“New Zealanders showed unity and sympathy following the attacks. The solidarity we intuitively showed as a nation was exemplary to the world of how to support the different ethnic and faith-based communities and make them feel safe, valued, and equal to others.”
The horrific incident also served as a stark reminder for the world community to fight against hate and Islamophobia. The United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution in 2022, with unanimous agreement, declaring 15 March as the ‘International Day to Combat Islamophobia.’ The day is now celebrated in 140 countries across the world.
15 March also kicks off Unity Week, which aims to honour the lives lost and promote a socially cohesive society.
Launched in 2022, Unity Week is an initiative established by Sakinah Community Trust, a not-for-profit led by seven incredible women who lost loved ones in the tragic 15 March Christchurch mosque attacks: Dr Hamimah Ahmat, Ambreen Naeem, Salwa Mohamad, Raesha Ismail, Farhiya Abdukadir, Dr Kiran Munir and Angela Armstrong.
Dr Ahmat, the Chair of the Trust, says, “You can achieve peace with communities of different backgrounds if we all follow these principles: respecting each other and accepting our similarities, as well as our differences.”
The Trust has lined up a series of events as part of the Unity Week that runs until 21 March, including a Meet and Eat for Unity Week on 16 March, Walk the Talk for Unity on 18 March and a Unity Picnic & Peace Train on 19 March.
Another outcome of the Christchurch attacks was the introduction of new gun laws banning military-style semi-automatic weapons and assault rifles.
On the recommendations from the Royal Commission of Inquiry, the Ministry for Ethnic Communities was set up in July 2021, focusing solely on improving outcomes for ethnic communities, comprising around 20 percent of the population and many diverse faith-based communities.
Singham concluded his message by saying it is our collective responsibility to ensure fairness, cohesion, and social harmony to protect future generations from similar incidents.
“The memory of the Christchurch attacks will forever be a part of New Zealand’s history, but we must continue to work towards a brighter, safer, and more inclusive future for all individuals in the country.”
The 15 March, 2019 events have made a lasting impression on New Zealand’s history. The communities' response to the tragedy demonstrates the resilience and strength of the nation’s people. As we remember the lives lost, it is also a time for us to renew our commitment to promoting unity and harmony in our communities.
On 15 March, New Zealand remembers the devastating mosque attacks that took place in Christchurch four years ago. In a message, Mervin Singham, Chief Executive of the Ethnic Communities Ministry, said the tragic incident still etched in our minds reminds us of the dangers of hate and racism when...
On 15 March, New Zealand remembers the devastating mosque attacks that took place in Christchurch four years ago. In a message, Mervin Singham, Chief Executive of the Ethnic Communities Ministry, said the tragic incident still etched in our minds reminds us of the dangers of hate and racism when allowed to grow into a real threat.
“New Zealanders showed unity and sympathy following the attacks. The solidarity we intuitively showed as a nation was exemplary to the world of how to support the different ethnic and faith-based communities and make them feel safe, valued, and equal to others.”
The horrific incident also served as a stark reminder for the world community to fight against hate and Islamophobia. The United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution in 2022, with unanimous agreement, declaring 15 March as the ‘International Day to Combat Islamophobia.’ The day is now celebrated in 140 countries across the world.
15 March also kicks off Unity Week, which aims to honour the lives lost and promote a socially cohesive society.
Launched in 2022, Unity Week is an initiative established by Sakinah Community Trust, a not-for-profit led by seven incredible women who lost loved ones in the tragic 15 March Christchurch mosque attacks: Dr Hamimah Ahmat, Ambreen Naeem, Salwa Mohamad, Raesha Ismail, Farhiya Abdukadir, Dr Kiran Munir and Angela Armstrong.
Dr Ahmat, the Chair of the Trust, says, “You can achieve peace with communities of different backgrounds if we all follow these principles: respecting each other and accepting our similarities, as well as our differences.”
The Trust has lined up a series of events as part of the Unity Week that runs until 21 March, including a Meet and Eat for Unity Week on 16 March, Walk the Talk for Unity on 18 March and a Unity Picnic & Peace Train on 19 March.
Another outcome of the Christchurch attacks was the introduction of new gun laws banning military-style semi-automatic weapons and assault rifles.
On the recommendations from the Royal Commission of Inquiry, the Ministry for Ethnic Communities was set up in July 2021, focusing solely on improving outcomes for ethnic communities, comprising around 20 percent of the population and many diverse faith-based communities.
Singham concluded his message by saying it is our collective responsibility to ensure fairness, cohesion, and social harmony to protect future generations from similar incidents.
“The memory of the Christchurch attacks will forever be a part of New Zealand’s history, but we must continue to work towards a brighter, safer, and more inclusive future for all individuals in the country.”
The 15 March, 2019 events have made a lasting impression on New Zealand’s history. The communities' response to the tragedy demonstrates the resilience and strength of the nation’s people. As we remember the lives lost, it is also a time for us to renew our commitment to promoting unity and harmony in our communities.
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