Luxon says there is no place for Islamophobia in New Zealand.
Photo: RNZ/JESSIE CURRAN
The first -minister Christopher Luxon says the country must continue to face the forces that led to the attacks of the 2019 Christchurch mosque.
Luxon spoke at a HUI unit in Christchurs on Saturday morning, marking the sixth anniversary of the mosque attacks, which left 51 people dead and 89 wounds.
On March 15, a white supremacist terrorist from Australia invaded Al Noor Mosque and the Islamic Center of Linwood.
In his speech, Luxon said there was no place for Islamophobia in New Zealand.
“As we reflect on this day, we must also confront the forces that led to this tragedy.
“Islamophobia – like all forms of hatred – there is absolutely nowhere in New Zealand, and it is our duty to challenge it wherever it seems, whether in words, policies or silence that allows prejudice to rot,” said Luxon.
“No one should feel insecure because of their name of faith or the way they pray.”
He said that the New Zealanders should continue to face hatred in policies and communities.
Luxon with some of the community and Muslim leaders.
Photo: RNZ/JESSIE CURRAN
Luxon said the birthday was also a reminder to continue building a stronger and more connected community.
“New Zealand is a multicultural nation, and the diversity of our communities is one of our strengths.
“Our Muslim community brings a lot to New Zealand – you make invaluable contributions to the social, cultural and economic fabric of New Zealand.
“After the March 15 attacks, his community demonstrated remarkable resilience, transforming tragedy into action working closely with the government, civil society and other communities to make New Zealand a more inclusive nation.
“And as a government, we are also committed to this effort,” said Luxon.
President of Fianz Abdur Razzaq.
Photo: RNZ/JESSIE CURRAN
The Federation of Islamic Associations of the President of New Zealand, Abdur Razzaq, asked the first -minister – at the event – not to bring semi -automatic weapons back to the country.
The comment was in response to the government of the coalition currently rewriting the Arms Law.
Responsible Minister Nicole McKEE of ACT had already signaled her discontent with the previous government’s reforms after the attack and indicated access to the types of weapons used by the shooter could be liberalized.
Razzaq also asked the government to consider restorative justice.
“For the sake of our community, an opportunity for restorative justice for our community, they didn’t have one – it was one of the recommendations.”
A real committee on the attack has made 44 recommendations, while a coronial investigation into the deaths remains underway.
The coalition government ended its response to the Royal Commission last August, eliminating eight recommendations in the process.
Luxon rescheduled his flight to India to be in Christchurch for the sixth anniversary of the 2019 mosque shooting.
Photo: RNZ/JESSIE CURRAN
But Razzaq also said he met Menter Prime last week and said Luxon promised to “” health “of recommendations.
“The government’s commitment has not stopped, it’s lasting, I know that,” he said.
Luxon rescheduled his flight to India for a commercial mission to be at Christchurch at Hui.
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