Islamic Awareness Week for all Kiwis

Islamic Awareness Week for all Kiwis - Human Rights Commission

This week Kiwis who are curious about the Islamic faith have the opportunity to visit a mosque, find out about the faith and meet Muslim New Zealanders.

In her speech where she officially opened Islamic Awareness Week, Race Relations Commissioner Dame Susan Devoy commended Muslim community members and the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand.

“Events like Islam Awareness Week make our country a better place to live in and it is something we can all be grateful for,” said Dame Susan.

“I commend New Zealand’s Muslim community for taking up the challenge of sharing your faith with your fellow Kiwis, not just for the sake of Kiwi Muslims– but for the sake of all Kiwis and for the future of our nation. “

Islam Awareness Week is an annual event organised by FIANZ. It aims to increase New Zealanders’ awareness of Muslim diversity and beliefs, values and practices and provides an opportunity to engage with Muslim communities throughout New Zealand.

“Islam Awareness Week helps to enlighten everyday New Zealanders. Because just as intolerance and bigotry is taught: intolerance and bigotry can also be untaught.”

In her address Dame Susan referred to attacks on Muslim people by a New Zealand politician as well as a recent instance where an Egyptian Kiwi on a flight from Auckland to Wellington endured racist taunts by a woman sitting next to him.

“We’ve come a long way as a nation in terms of treating each other with respect but what’s clear is some of us still have a long way to go. It’s up to everyday New Zealanders to challenge everyday racism,” said Dame Susan.

ENDS

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