A joint statement condemning the terror attack and pledging solidarity with the Muslim community from the members of the Korean Australian community has been issued.
Since the Korean statement titled "The Korean Australian Community’s Joint Statement on the Christchurch Massacre” was posted on social media last week, an English statement was delivered to the Muslim community, other ethnic groups, political parties and civic groups this week.
After the launch of the Korean Australian Community Joint Statement Preparation Committee, around 40 associations and groups relating to the Korean society in Australia joined together, while Multicultural Communities Council of NSW also participated.
In a joint statement, the Korean Australian communities expressed condolences to the victims and their families of the massacre and pledged solidarity with the Muslim community.
“We condemn the terror attack as one of the most vicious, evil and cowardly acts that has been perpetrated against the people of New Zealand and Australasia in modern history. At these tragic hours, we lend our fullest support to the victims and their families and stand together in firm solidarity with the Muslim communities of Australasia.” Statement mentioned.
“We believe that the racially motivated massacre was not only an attack on the Muslim communities but also a declaration of racism on all migrant and ethnic communities across Australia. It is also a direct attack on the core values and ideals of what Australia stands for collectively - that is liberty, freedom, equality and humanity.”
Korean Australian communities emphasized this crisis ought not to be a question of political debate between the conservative and progressive politics, but rather it is a question that goes to the very heart of what it really means to be an Australian and what Australia stands for as a nation.
“Let the truth be known that every person is created equal under heaven, and by the law of nature and divine providence, every person has the rights to pursue happiness in the society, regardless of one’s race, ethnicity, origin, religion and background.” Joint statement said
[Full Text for the joint statement]
The Korean Australian Community’s Joint Statement on the Christchurch Massacre
We, members of the Korean Australian community, hereby jointly express our most sincere condolences for the victims, families and loved ones of those that were attacked in the acts of terror that occurred at the Mosques of Christchurch, New Zealand on 15th of March 2019.
We are deeply saddened and grieved by the terrible tragedy that has claimed so many innocent lives which comes as an utter shock, grief and sadness not only to the people of New Zealand but also to all peoples and nations around the world.
We condemn the terror attack as one of the most vicious, evil and cowardly acts that has been perpetrated against the people of New Zealand and Australasia in modern history. At these tragic hours, we lend our fullest support to the victims and their families and stand together in firm solidarity with the Muslim communities of Australasia.
We believe that the racially motivated massacre was not only an attack on the Muslim communities but also a declaration of racism on all migrant and ethnic communities across Australia. It is also a direct attack on the core values and ideals of what Australia stands for collectively - that is liberty, freedom, equality and humanity.
This dark chapter of history highlights and embodies the turbulent and dangerous times that we currently live in, namely the rising sociopolitical sentiment of racism and racially motivated hatred and discrimination. It is a dangerous political and social indoctrination of intolerance which has been scapegoating the migrant, ethnic and religious minorities in recent years.
This crisis ought not to be a question of political debate between the conservative and progressive politics, but rather it is a question that goes to the very heart of what it really means to be an Australian and what Australia stands for as a nation. We shall let our clear human conscience and universal human experience and convictions be our guidance in this regard. Let the truth be known that every person is created equal under heaven, and by the law of nature and divine providence, every person has the rights to pursue happiness in the society, regardless of one’s race, ethnicity, origin, religion and background.
Australia is a country that, together with the traditional owners of the land the Aboriginal people, was founded and built by immigrants who crossed the seas and flocked from all corners of the world. Over many generations, immigrants of multi-cultural origins have toiled over this land and sacrificed their lives with sweat and blood to develop Australia into a great nation that it has become today. Therefore, it is self evident that we immigrants have been the backbone of Australia’s foundation and development, and regardless of our respective cultural origins, we as proud Australians will continue to make great contributions to the advancement of Australia for many generations to come.
Guided by our commonly shared history, ideals and values in the common good of the people, we humbly ask all Australians to join us and stand shoulder to shoulder in solidarity and face these dark moments of history together. Let us persevere, march forward and emerge victorious over racism and let us become the beacon and champion of love, peace and unity as a fine example to the world.
