Turkey Commemorates International Day to Combat Islamophobia

(MENAFN) Türkiye marked the International Day to Combat Islamophobia on Saturday, commemorating the victims of the 2019 Christchurch mosque attacks and emphasizing the need for stronger global measures against intolerance and discrimination targeting Muslims.

In a statement shared on Turkish social media platform NSosyal, the Foreign Ministry said the seventh anniversary of the March 15, 2019 terrorist attack in Christchurch, New Zealand, is being observed with respect for the victims.

The attacks on the Al Noor Mosque and Linwood Islamic Centre claimed 51 lives and left 40 injured, making it New Zealand’s deadliest mass shooting. The ministry noted that one of the victims was a Turkish citizen and described the incident as a heinous act of terrorism.

“On the seventh anniversary of the despicable terrorist attack that took place on March 15, 2019 in Christchurch, we commemorate with respect the 51 people who lost their lives, including one of our citizens, and pray for God’s mercy upon them,” the statement said.

The ministry underscored the need for the international community to take a firm and unified stance against intolerance, discrimination, and violence targeting Muslims worldwide. It added that the International Day to Combat Islamophobia also serves as a reminder of the shared responsibility to confront crimes against human dignity.

Türkiye reaffirmed its commitment to international cooperation in combating all forms of racism and discrimination. The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution in 2022, declaring March 15 as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia.

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