Shocked, Appalled at Terrorist Attack on Mosques in New Zealand, Secretary-General Extends Condolences to Families of Victims

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General António Guterres:

The Secretary-General is shocked and appalled at the terrorist attack at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand.  He extends his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and to the Government and people of New Zealand.

The Secretary-General recalls the sanctity of mosques and all places of worship.  He calls upon all people on this holy day for Muslims to show signs of solidarity with the bereaved Islamic community.

The Secretary-General reiterates the urgency of working better together globally to counter Islamophobia and eliminate intolerance and violent extremism in all its forms.