Türkiye marks International Day to Combat Islamophobia
Türkiye on Wednesday marked the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, which is also the day when a gunman entered two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, killing 51 victims and injuring 40 others.
In a statement, the Turkish Foreign Ministry remembered those who were killed in the terror attack on March 15, 2019 in New Zealand.
March 15 has been recognized as the "International Day to Combat Islamophobia" by the UN General Assembly as a result of Türkiye's "leading role at international arena in the fight against Islamophobia and intolerance and its effective work in consultation with the OIC (Organization of Islamic Cooperation)."
Citing the repeated "vile attacks" against the Muslim holy book Quran in some Western states, Ankara said the incidents are evidence of Islamophobia continuing to gain ground.
"The international community has a special duty to strengthen the understanding of mutual respect and peaceful coexistence at this sensitive period when hatred against religion is on the rise," it said.
Türkiye pledged to "resolutely continue to support initiatives to combat Islamophobia in international and regional platforms, especially in the UN, OSCE and OIC."
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