United in horror at New Zealand terrorist attack

Equalities

The CWU’s Race Advisory Committee (RAC) has issued a statement of its shock and outrage at the mass murder that unfolded in Christchurch, New Zealand, last Friday (March 16).

Pledging the union’s absolute solidarity with all those fighting against the politics of hate, the message of defiance to those who seek to sow fear and terror in communities at home or abroad was delivered just after a huge CWU turnout at Saturday’s anti-racist march in London. (See story and video here)

As the celebration of diversity – organised to mark the United Nation’s International Day Against Racism – passed New Zealand House, CWU marchers paused for a minutes’ silence to pay their respects to the 50 dead and the dozens who were injured and to send their condolences to all the families affected.

Pointing out that standing shoulder to shoulder with the shell-shocked people of Christchurch is “by far the best possible response that the trade union movement can provide,” RAC chair Sajid Shaikh stressed: “We stand in absolute solidarity with everybody affected by the terrorist attack. We oppose all forms of terrorist violence that seeks to harm and divide communities.”

And in a direct message to all those directly affected by the terrorist outrage, Sajid continued: “The hurt and pain you feel as a community is shared across the whole world by people of all races and religions. We all have a duty to make every effort to eradicate racism, fascism and terrorism. The CWU commit to continuing to stand up against hatred and division and to promote unity, understanding and compassion. May Allah give the family of victims and the community Sabr through this very tough time.”

The RAC has also expressed its revulsion at yesterday’s horrific attacks in the Dutch city of Utrecht that killed three and wounded five – triggering a citywide manhunt and the closure of schools.

CWU assistant secretary for education and equalities Trish Lavelle emphasises the union’s unequivocal commitment to face up to the evil doctrines of racism and fascism.

“Everyone should be free to go about their business and lives without fear, terror and hatred,” Trish insists.

“We in trade unions have a deep responsibility to challenge racism, fascism and hate in workplaces, in communities, in our families, in our politics and on the street. Every trade unionist has to be given the knowledge and confidence to stand up to the vile lies and the incitements to abuse and violence that are pervasive in all parts of society.

“We can do so little for the devastated families and communities in New Zealand and Utrecht apart from offer our solidarity but we can all commit to uniting to stamp out racism in our own communities.”

Read the RAC’s full statement here