On behalf of the Muslim community of New Zealand, the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand Inc (FIANZ)
calls upon the government of New Zealand and the various political parties currently competing for parliament, to
temporarily lay aside partisan differences and make an effort to aid the Chechen refugees. Currently there are over two
hundred thousand displaced civilians, many of them woman and children, who have been chased from their homeland by the
barbaric actions of the Russian army and are now facing distressing conditions in neighbouring Isgushetia, Ossetia and
Dagestan. The New Zealand Muslim community calls upon our government to issue a strong letter of protest with the
Russian Ambassador over the animalistic behaviour of the Russian army of invasion and the plight of the refugees.
This is a human catastrophe of appalling proportions and we also strongly request that our government takes practical
steps to relieve the misery that has been inflicted almost exclusively upon non-combatants. The criminal behaviour of
the Russian armed forces has created entirely unnecessary suffering and deserves only total reprobation. We ask
specifically that the Minister of Immigration, in consultation with the UNHCR, do all that is within his power to
facilitate the transfer of the most traumatised refugees from the crowded tent cities of Ingushetia to suitable places
including New Zealand.
Furthermore we urge our fellow New Zealanders to express their concern by writing to the Prime Minister, the Minister
of Immigration, their local MPs and media, and asking for an explanation as to why the New Zealand government is taking
such a relaxed approach to this crisis. After one month of fighting it is clear that this unjustifiable invasion is
rapidly developing into a scenario resembling Bosnia, Kosova and East Timor.
FIANZ has already established an Appeal account and we solicit your kind help in our efforts to aid the needy of
Chechnya. Donations can be deposited directly in our Appeal account number 02 0500 0737236 06 at any BNZ branch or
channeled through Local Muslim Associations / Mosques / Trusts. Dr Anwar Ghani
PRESIDENT
ENDS....