Organisation of Islamic Cooperation
The Collective Voice of The Muslim World
Date: 15/03/2021
Marking the second anniversary of the March 15, 2019 terrorist attack, in Christchurch, New Zealand, which took the lives of 51 innocent Muslim worshippers, the Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Dr. Yousef Al Othaimeen, pays tribute to the fallen martyrs and renews the OIC’s deep sympathy and solidarity with the families of the victims.
The Secretary General also extends the OIC’s highest consideration to Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, her government, and the people of New Zealand for their remarkable support and solidarity with the families of the victims as well as with the Muslim community living in the country.
While condemning terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, regardless of the motivations and the identity of its perpetrator, the OIC firmly rejects any policies, statements, and practices that associate Islam with terrorism.
Noting with concern that Islamophobia, as a contemporary form of racism and religious discrimination, is on the rise in many parts of the world, the OIC Secretary General renews the OIC call to the United Nations and other international and regional organizations for the observance of 15 March of each year as an international day to combat Islamophobia in order to consolidate global awareness about curbing this phenomenon, intolerance and hatred towards Muslims.
