‘Stand United Against Anti-Muslim Hatred’ Urges Guterres, After Mosque Shootings In New Zealand Leave 49 Dead

The UN Secretary-General António Guterres has urged the international community to ‘stand united against anti-Muslim hatred’ following a mass shooting in New Zealand on Friday targeting two mosques, which has left at least 49 dead and many others wounded, some critically

NEW YORK, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 15th Mar, 2019) The UN Secretary-General António Guterres has urged the international community to ‘stand united against anti-Muslim hatred’ following a mass shooting in New Zealand on Friday targeting two mosques, which has left at least 49 dead and many others wounded, some critically.

"I’m saddened and strongly condemn the shooting of innocent people as they prayed peacefully in mosques in New Zealand", tweeted the UN chef, expressing his "deepest condolences to the victims’ families".

"Today and every day, we must stand united against anti-Muslim hatred, and all forms of bigotry and terror", he stressed.

Other senior UN officials took to Twitter on Friday to express their condolences and horror at the attacks in New Zealand, António Vitorino, Director General of the International Organization for Migration, extended his "sincere condolences" to victims’ families and expressed deep sadness over "the terrible loss of life", pointing out: "It is believed that among the dead and injured were many refugees and migrants".

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, tweeted a picture of the New Zealand flag with a message saying that UNHCR stands "firmly with the people and government of New Zealand "in mourning, prayer and solidarity".

"We grieve with children facing the profound shock that a parent is never coming home", tweeted Henrietta Fore, Executive Director of the UN Children’s Fund. Saying "our hearts break with news", she called the aggression "a senseless attack on a peaceful community and the universal right to freedom of worship".