Kia Kaha Migrants and refugees in Aotearoa, rise above the hatred

Union Network of Migrants(UNEMIG) and Indian Workers Association(IWA) strongly condemns the brutal and unprecedented terror attack in Christchurch, New Zealand on innocent Muslims brothers, sisters and their children which resulted in 50 dead and many seriously wounded.

This attack has raised many questions about safety and security of migrants and refugees not only in New Zealand but around the world. We often see migrants and refugees being used as scapegoats in the political battlefield and being treated as commodities. Many face racism, discrimination and violence on regular basis around the world. Many face death and political persecution from their country of origin.

This mosque massacre brings us face to face with political violence and insecurity once again. Once again people in immigrant communities fear for their lives. This white supremacist had written about the United Nations Migration Compact on his gun. Who would oppose protecting human rights and reducing the forced migration (trafficking) of migrants?

Political and media figures presented the Compact objectives as a threat to this country’s sovereignty which attracted thousands of hate comments and xenophobic responses from the public leading up to and after its signing in December last year.

We are very saddened to see that this has resulted in not only intensifying a divide among locals and migrants but now also in a gross and disgusting attack on innocent lives who moved to New Zealand for a better life.

This is why it’s more important than ever to make a call for solidarity amongst all New Zealanders from all backgrounds to come together and care for one another. This is time to grieve, time to show solidarity, time to rise above the hate and time to spread love and kindness. We are calling for all peaceful and loving New Zealanders to be vigilant against any form of discrimination and racism; to gently speak out for one another and support one another wherever possible.

We also call for a solidarity statement from international migrant organisations to send a strong signal to terrorists that we will not be divided and that we all need to rise above racism and hate and spread peace, love and kindness to secure a safer and happier future for everyone.

Coordinator of UNEMIG and IWA, Mandeep Bela.

ENDS

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