UN Chief Issues Call To Counter Islamophobia After New Zealand Massacre - Spokesman

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was shocked to learn the news about the two mass shootings in New Zealand mosques and is urging the strengthening global efforts to fight Islamophobia, United Nations spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said in a press briefing on Friday

UNITED NATIONS (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 15th March, 2019) UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was shocked to learn the news about the two mass shootings in New Zealand mosques and is urging the strengthening global efforts to fight Islamophobia, United Nations spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said in a press briefing on Friday.

"The Secretary-General is shocked and appalled at the terrorist attack at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, he extends his deepest condolences to the families and the victims and to the government and people of New Zealand," Dujarric said. "The Secretary-General reiterates the urgency of working better together globally to counter Islamophobia and eliminate intolerance and violent extremism in all its forms.

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Earlier on Friday, gunmen opened fire at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand. At least 49 people were killed in the attack and more than 40 others injured, according to media reports. The authorities have detained four people suspected of being involved in the attack and one person has been charged with murder.

Dujarric said Guterres had reiterated the sanctity of all houses of worship and called on all people to demonstrate solidarity with the Islamic community around the world.