Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama [left] with New Zealand’s High Commissioner to Fiji, Jonathan Curr [Source: Fijian Government]

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama is urging Fijians to speak out against racism and hatred that fueled the terrorist attack in Christchurch.

He is calling on all Fijians to take a pledge to speak up against people both in person and online when something racist or hateful is echoed.

However, learning that some Fijians may instead be speaking up for racism and encouraging Islamophobia, the Prime Minister is clear, Fiji has no place for them.

Well as I said we need to speak out and reply to those, I don’t know whether those speaking out are here in Fiji or away overseas and speaking on behalf of some Fijians but that’s stupid of them, we can’t afford that.”

Fijian PM @FijiPM & New Zealand High Commissioner @JCurrNZ at our Dua today to honour the victims of the Christchurch terrorist attacks. Both urged everyone to unite to fight hatred ?? ?? #FijiansforChristchurch pic.twitter.com/HNzgj7KJWm

— Lisi Naziah Tora Ali-Krishna (@Alinaziah) March 17, 2019

New Zealand’s High Commissioner to Fiji, Jonathan Curr echoing his sentiment.

“There is no question this was an attack on Muslims, it was a deliberate targeting of a group, of a faith community, based on a morally bankrupt and evil ideology fueled by Islamaphobia, hate, racism and bigotry. I echo the words of my Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern that those responsible may have chosen us but we utterly reject and condemn them.”

A powerful show of unity and compassion at an open prayer service in Makoi for two countries united in grief mourning the victims of the appalling attack in Christchurch. pic.twitter.com/O59yvdfPwT

— John Feakes (@AusHCFJ) March 17, 2019

Bainimarama also emphasizing that Fijians can lodge their complaints with the Online Safety Commission if they come across racist and hateful comments on social media platforms.

I caught her after the prayers in tears. This young Fijian wrote messages of peace and love for the victims and families of the #ChristchurchTERRORISTattack pic.twitter.com/YR3wkSOQQ9

— Lisi Naziah Tora Ali-Krishna (@Alinaziah) March 17, 2019

Meanwhile, the death toll from the Christchurch terrorist attack currently stands at 50 with 34 in hospital, 12 critical.