March 19, 2019
A Statement by the Asian Human Rights Commission
The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) extends its deepest sympathies to the victims of the massacre in Christchurch,
New Zealand. We urge all the governments and the people of the world to support New Zealand’s efforts to deal with the
situation on the basis of humane values and principles. The date of 15th March 2019 marks a sad day for the families of
the victims of the massacre, for the people and government of New Zealand, and for people throughout the world. Gunning
down people attending a prayer meeting is a most cowardly and heinous act, which needs to be condemned by all
governments and peoples.
Individuals attending prayer meetings are engaged in a most innocent activity, while also expressing solidarity among
themselves. They are naturally unarmed, and their sole concern is to share a moment with their creator. Shooting at such
people is a most brutal act. Moreover, such attacks are not merely an attack on the victim, but against the whole nation
of New Zealand, and also on humanity itself.
The manner in which New Zealand’s Prime Minister and government has acted so far on this occasion needs to be recognized
as a valuable lesson in preserving basic human values and rights. The emphasis by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on the
preservation of values that goes to create the nation, provides a worthy example for emulation by other countries.
The affected families deserve justice, and all the perpetrators and those who have conspired to engage in this massacre
need to be brought before courts. Justice must be done in a manner ensuring victimized families believe that the nation
has stood by them in this horrific time.
The reflections on the massacre must include both the short term and the long-term impact of such acts of brutality. New
Zealand has been known to be a peaceful place, attracting people to live there. The spirit of reconciliation in which
the indigenous people of New Zealand and the white settlers have made attempts to live together and respect each other,
goes to the very heart of the making of this nation. This is now being attacked under the pretext of there being too
many immigrants coming to New Zealand. Unfortunately, the Australian government’s heightened anti-refugee and
anti-immigrant rhetoric also would have contributed to the mentality of individuals who want to resort to guns in
dealing with immigrants.
Whether there is something more than the perpetuated anti-immigrant feelings must also be studied and reflected upon at
this time. Judging from the experiences of other countries that have faced similar violence, we see that long lasting
political controversies and divisions among the people can be generated by this kind of crisis.
The people and government of New Zealand must give a thought to these matters as early as possible, and prevent any
negative tendencies that may arise, disturbing the finer traditions and values of the country. In particular, any
descent into racism and narrow nationalism must be prevented.
The AHRC expresses solidarity with the victims, and with the people and government of New Zealand on this tragic
occasion, and hopes that this tragedy will be used to strengthen the unity of the people in the country.
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The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) works towards the radical rethinking and fundamental redesigning of justice
institutions in order to protect and promote human rights in Asia. Established in 1984, the Hong Kong based organisation
is a Laureate of the Right Livelihood Award, 2014.
ends