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To: The Prime Minister, MPs, Auckland Mayor, Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ)

Help Muslim Uyghers in China

This campaign has ended.

On 17 March 2019 Mayor Phil Goff announced the $1.2 million pledge by the Teochew Chinese community towards the victims, survivors and their families of the Christchurch terror attack. The Mayor intends to present this cheque to the Muslim community in Christchurch. Though a deeply heartfelt gesture we are calling for a very specific request for how this generous donation should be used.

Given that the current government has offered financial support, Launch Good has now raised over $2.5 million and Give a Little raised over $8.5 million for the same purpose we are requesting that this donation is not accepted on behalf of the Muslim community of Aotearoa New Zealand given the ethnic cleansing and incarceration of Uighur’s in China. Many in the Muslim community wish instead to address the plight of Uigher Muslims and take a stand against Islamophobia.

While New Zealand Muslims mourn the loss that has occurred in our community we are acutely aware that we also need to take a stand against Islamophobia not just in our country but across the world. The Muslim community, after just a few hours of hearing about the pledge, made their intention known. We do not want this money to be taken by us in New Zealand but instead we ask that the Teochew community use the funds to combat Islamophobia in China where Muslims are being persecuted and held in internment camps.It is the right thing to do.

We have heard a lot about unity, bravery and standing up against discrimination. The PM put out a global call to end discriminatory behaviour in all forms after the events that occurred in Christchurch against the Muslim community. So we ask you now to please be brave. Do whatever you possibly can to stop Islamophobia from flourishing, wherever it may exist.

Though we understand this generous donation isn’t money from the Chinese government, we still firmly believe that the best assistance from any community that Muslims could receive is to call out Islamophobia, and stop the persecution of those practicing the Islamic faith around the world.

We feel the best use for this pledge would be, if the Teochew community is moved to help, for the pledge to be used to support our Muslim brothers and sisters being persecuted in China.

We want to take a principled stand during our time of grief and we hope that you will support us.

Peace and blessings,
The Khadija Leadership Network

Why is this important?

Why have we taken this position?
A UN rapporteur, US State Department, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and plenty of journalists around the world have now reported on the approximately ONE MILLION Uighur Muslim minorities in China currently detained in what China refers to as “re-education camps”. We are now even hearing testimonies from those tortured, raped, and their dignity stripped off them for simply being a Muslim.

As New Zealanders we have already lost our 50. We are simply calling for us all to lead in being a voice for those incarcerated for practising Islam. We have the opportunity to show the world if we cannot accept Islamophobia here then we cannot accept it anywhere. Unfortunately most people are concerned with the impact on their business but we are asking you to be principled and to be concerned about the people.

Isn’t it disrespectful to not accept this gesture from the Teochew community?
As stated in our letter, the offer is generous but it’s impact can be most useful elsewhere where other members of the wider Muslim community continue to struggle as a result of their faith. We encourage you to read the additional links we have provided below. It is also important to note that because of our historical relations and business ties in China our government has not taken a stance on what is the Auschwitz of contemporary times. We have Uighur Muslims living amongst us here in Aotearoa New Zealand.

What do our religious scholars have to say about this issue?
Our volunteers have been speaking to local Islamic scholars around their position on this issue. So far we have one heard positive affirmation for this position given the impact of Islamophobia egregious for Muslims around the world. Please refer to link on the recent piece by The Guardian and the rise of attacks on Muslims in the UK since the Christchurch attacks.

Can those who are not Muslims sign?
Absolutely!

Further reading:
https://www.aljazeera.com/blogs/asia/2019/01/exposed-china-surveillance-muslim-uighurs-190130011449217.html

https://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/voices/audio/2018673567/china-s-disappearing-uyghurs

https://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/108369903/the-disappearing-people-uighur-kiwis-lose-contact-with-family-members-in-china

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2019/mar/22/anti-muslim-hate-crimes-soar-in-uk-after-christchurch-shootings

These funds are not a necessity given the significant amount of funds raised:
https://www.launchgood.com/project/support_for_the_families__victims_of_the_new_zealand_mosque_shootings#!/

https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/christchurch-shooting-victims-fund

https://www.jannahroad.co.nz/

https://www.facebook.com/MyPANZ/posts/2632090523500323

http://nzf.org.au/christchurch/

Updates

2019-03-26 21:48:17 +1300

100 signatures reached

2019-03-26 12:58:15 +1300

50 signatures reached

2019-03-26 09:13:24 +1300

25 signatures reached

2019-03-26 07:22:08 +1300

10 signatures reached