ISTANBUL

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, speaking on the sixth anniversary of the Christchurch mosque attacks, emphasized the need for the country to confront the forces that led to the tragedy.

“As we reflect on this day, we must also confront the forces that contributed to this tragedy,” Luxon said at a Unity Hui, adding that “Islamophobia, like all forms of hatred, has no place in New Zealand. It is our responsibility to challenge it wherever it appears—in words, policies, or in the silence that enables prejudice to grow,” according to Radio New Zealand.

In 2019, a white supremacist terrorist from Australia used semi-automatic rifles to kill 51 Muslims and injure 40 others at Al Noor Mosque and Linwood Islamic Centre in Christchurch.

March 15 was also designated by the UN General Assembly as "International Day to Combat Islamophobia" in light of the attack.

Luxon emphasized that no one should feel unsafe because of “their faith name, or the way they pray,” and stressed that New Zealand must continue to challenge hatred both through policy and within communities.

At the event, Abdur Razzaq, chairman of the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand, urged the prime minister not to relax the prohibitions on semi-automatic weapons since the New Zealand government is currently revising the Arms Act.

Meanwhile, Pakistan, marking the day in a statement from Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, expressed dedication to promoting tolerance, harmony, and mutual respect among all religions and cultures.

The minister urged the international community to implement “tangible and effective measures to reform discriminatory legislation, combat hate speech, and promote genuine interfaith dialogue to cultivate mutual respect.”

Malaysia, in a statement from the Foreign Ministry, stated its “unwavering commitment to combating Islamophobia and all acts of violence and hatred directed at individuals based on their religion or beliefs.”

Kuala Lumpur also called for “the timely appointment of the United Nations Special Envoy dedicated to combating Islamophobia.”

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also issued a statement, saying that Islamophobia has no place in the pacific nation and that Canberra will “combat it with the full force of laws.”

“Australia stands firm against any expression or act of hatred or hostility toward the Muslim community,” Albanese said.