Anti-Islamophobia rally held in Melbourne

An anti-Islamophobia rally has been held in Melbourne in response to the mosque shootings, as the city shows solidarity with New Zealand.

Thousands of people have stood shoulder-to-shoulder at a rally in Melbourne against Islamophobia in the wake of the New Zealand massacre.

Prayers were read and tears shed for the victims during Saturday's event at Victoria's State Library to stand in solidarity with the Islamic community.

Islamic Council of Victoria secretary Mohammad Helmy was among the many voices calling for change at the event.

"This kind of hate rhetoric, it kills," Mr Helmy told Nine News Melbourne.

The rally was one of many protests of its kind held across the globe ahead of next week's International Day for the Elimination of Discrimination.

A number of Melbourne's landmarks were lit up overnight in the New Zealand flag colours in a show of solidarity, including Flinders Street Station, the Town Hall and the State Library.