March 17, 2019

The AEPF strongly condemns the terror attack on Muslims at a mosque in Christchurch, New Zealand, where innocent worshipers were targeted on account of their identity.

It is evident that this attack is the outcome of the Islamaphobia and rising racism that is sweeping across many countries. Even as there are widespread condemnations and the victims and their families receive support, it is time for the leadership and people of all countries to take concrete steps to stop such incidents.

Although New Zealand has no history of violent culture, this incident is an indication how things can change overnight. We are surrounded by the politics of fear which is inherent to the growing inequality that accompanies neoliberalism. These policies need to be replaced with the politics of solidarity. As the Prime Minister of New Zealand said after the massacre about the victims: ‘they are us’.

Countries must make strict gun laws to curb the availability of weapons. Governments, communities and institutions must take firm steps to stop the increasing radicalisation of young people across cultures and communities. The fear of others and the different that is fanned by all forms of media and leaders from the community up to political classes for the sake of political gain must be stopped.

The culture of violence and retribution needs to be stopped as it shifts from the public to private actions, destroys states, families and individuals. The culture of violence threatens all social and economic relations, breaking apart the fabric of our societies, democracy, and nationalism. Governments have to take the lead in educating and inculcating tolerance, pluralism and acceptance in all institutions from schools to judiciary. There should be zero tolerance for any group that propagates the use of force to achieve their objective.

AEPF calls on all states to take these immediate steps in view of the possible recurrence of such terror.