New Zealand PM calls for global anti-racism fight after Christchurch shootings

Following last week’s deadly attack on two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has called for a global fight to root out racist right-wing ideology.

When asked about the rise of right-wing nationalism she said:

“This was an Australian citizen but that is not to say that we do not have an ideology in New Zealand that would be an affront to the majority of New Zealanders.

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“What New Zealand experienced here was violence brought against us by someone who grew up and learned their ideology somewhere else. If we want to make sure globally that we are a safe and tolerant and inclusive world we cannot think about this in terms of boundaries.

“We are a welcoming country. I utterly reject the idea that in any way in trying to ensure that we have a system that looks after those who choose to call New Zealand home, that we have perpetuated an environment where this kind of ideology can exist” she added.

However, Police on Wednesday named six of the victims of the shootings at the Al Noor mosque and hoped to release all 50 bodies to the families by the end of the day while some families expressed frustration with the delayed process.

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