Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has urged all Fijians to raise their voice against any form of hate and racism.

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has urged all Fijians to raise their voice against any form of hate and racism.

Bainimarama made the comments at the interfaith gathering today at the Makoi Women’s Centre in Suva to honour and pay respect to the victims of the Christchurch massacre.

Bainimarama says acts of terrors and terrorism by the very nature are meant to instill fear into the hearts of those groups who are targeted.

He also assured the Muslim community about their safety.

“To our Muslim community I say this, you are safe and you are loved. My friends all too often after a hate filled act we describe the crimes as unspeakable but while this shooting in Christchurch is unfathomable in both its scale and the monstrous nature it was committed it is not unspeakable. Staying silent and not speaking up would be an injustice to the victims and to all of humanity. We must speak up and in light of New Zealand’s darkest day our voice must be louder than ever.”

PM [3rd from left] at the interfaith gathering today at the Makoi Women’s Centre in Suva.

Bainimarama says as difficult as it maybe Fijians must not let these acts of hatred intimidate them.

“We must recognize that this type of hatred does exist in the world and we must root it out wherever it lies. We must be aware that acts of extreme violence often begin in the form of hateful words and divisive ways of thinking. That is why I call on all Fijians across all backgrounds and faith to join me in making this pledge whenever you encounter someone who is says something racists and hateful whether it is online or in person – say something – do something, have the courage to call them out and counter their hatred with reason.”

The interfaith gathering today at the Makoi Women’s Centre in Suva.

The Christchurch terror attack has claimed the lives of two Fijians while the whereabouts of another is unknown at this stage.