Ministry Statements & Speeches:
New Zealand understands the concern underlying this initiative to address concerns of anti-Semitic violence worldwide; and is deeply aware of the need for religious and ethnic tolerance as the foundation for a peaceful society.
It’s an issue New Zealand takes very seriously, both in its domestic context and internationally.
New Zealand deplores the recent attacks on against the Charlie Hebdo editorial office, and the Hyper Cacher kosher supermarket in Paris.
Our thoughts are with the families of those who have lost loved ones, those injured in the brutal attack, and with the people of France.
Mr President –
My country’s Government is committed to ensuring that all New Zealanders are able to participate and contribute to our cultural, social and economic life.
We defend the rights of Jewish New Zealanders, and Muslim, Hindu, Christian, Buddhist New Zealanders alike, to be free from fear and to be free to practice their religion.
All of us have the ultimate responsibility for ensuring tolerance and for defusing radicalisation.
And so, today, Mr President, we reaffirm our commitment to the founding spirit of this United Nations and to its pledge: “to practice tolerance and live together in peace with one another as good neighbours”.