Latest news with #FIANZ
Scoop
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
FIANZ Condemns Genocidal Killing Of Palestinians In Gaza, Calls On NZ Govt To Uphold ICJ Ruling And End Complicity
Press Release – FIANZ As a signatory to the Genocide Convention and a long-standing advocate for human rights, New Zealand must now act decisively and with integrity. Wellington, New Zealand — The Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ) strongly condemns the ongoing genocidal actions perpetrated against the Palestinian people in Gaza. We mourn the devastating loss of life and the unprecedented destruction inflicted upon a besieged civilian population, including thousands of women and children who have been killed, maimed, or made homeless. The scale and nature of the violence—marked by indiscriminate bombings and systematic targeting of health workers, aid workers, hospitals and refugee camps, and the blockade of food, water, medicine and other essential humanitarian supplies—amounts to war crimes and crimes against humanity. These actions constitute a blatant violation of international law and the most basic principles of human decency said Ibrar Sheik, President of FIANZ. We call on the New Zealand Government to honour and support the recent ruling of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) which found a plausible case of genocide committed by the Israeli regime against Palestinians in Gaza. As a signatory to the Genocide Convention and a long-standing advocate for human rights, New Zealand must now act decisively and with integrity. We urge that the New Zealand Government: Cease all diplomatic, trade and technological cooperation with the Zionist regime of Israel until it ends its occupation, lifts the siege on Gaza, and complies fully with international law. Support international efforts to deliver immediate and unhindered humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza, and to hold those responsible for war crimes accountable. Join the growing global call for a permanent ceasefire and the recognition of the fundamental rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to self-determination, freedom, and return. Accelerate its efforts towards establishing Palestinian state as the part of two state solution. As New Zealanders, we believe in justice, compassion, and standing on the right side of history. Silence in the face of genocide is complicity. FIANZ joins the voices of conscience—locally and globally—in standing with the people of Palestine' said Anwar Ghani, Chair of National and International Relations of FIANZ. We urge all New Zealanders, civil society organisations, and faith communities to raise their voices, demand accountability, and advocate for peace rooted in justice. The Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ) is the national representative body of Muslims in Aotearoa New Zealand, advocating for justice, compassion, and unity.
Scoop
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
FIANZ Condemns Genocidal Killing Of Palestinians In Gaza, Calls On NZ Govt To Uphold ICJ Ruling And End Complicity
Wellington, New Zealand — The Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ) strongly condemns the ongoing genocidal actions perpetrated against the Palestinian people in Gaza. We mourn the devastating loss of life and the unprecedented destruction inflicted upon a besieged civilian population, including thousands of women and children who have been killed, maimed, or made homeless. The scale and nature of the violence—marked by indiscriminate bombings and systematic targeting of health workers, aid workers, hospitals and refugee camps, and the blockade of food, water, medicine and other essential humanitarian supplies—amounts to war crimes and crimes against humanity. These actions constitute a blatant violation of international law and the most basic principles of human decency said Ibrar Sheik, President of FIANZ. We call on the New Zealand Government to honour and support the recent ruling of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) which found a plausible case of genocide committed by the Israeli regime against Palestinians in Gaza. As a signatory to the Genocide Convention and a long-standing advocate for human rights, New Zealand must now act decisively and with integrity. We urge that the New Zealand Government: Cease all diplomatic, trade and technological cooperation with the Zionist regime of Israel until it ends its occupation, lifts the siege on Gaza, and complies fully with international law. Support international efforts to deliver immediate and unhindered humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza, and to hold those responsible for war crimes accountable. Join the growing global call for a permanent ceasefire and the recognition of the fundamental rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to self-determination, freedom, and return. Accelerate its efforts towards establishing Palestinian state as the part of two state solution. As New Zealanders, we believe in justice, compassion, and standing on the right side of history. Silence in the face of genocide is complicity. FIANZ joins the voices of conscience—locally and globally—in standing with the people of Palestine' said Anwar Ghani, Chair of National and International Relations of FIANZ. We urge all New Zealanders, civil society organisations, and faith communities to raise their voices, demand accountability, and advocate for peace rooted in justice. The Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ) is the national representative body of Muslims in Aotearoa New Zealand, advocating for justice, compassion, and unity.
RNZ News
02-05-2025
- Health
- RNZ News
NZ Islamic charity, humanitarian group to provide 3D-printed limbs for Gaza children
Four-year-old Ghazal's foot was amputated after her house in Gaza City was besieged by military tanks in October, 2023. Photo: Supplied / UNICEF An Islamic charity group says there is an urgent need to provide prosthetic limbs for children injured in Gaza. The Federated Islamic Association of New Zealand (FIANZ) and UNICEF Aotearoa have imminent plans to launch a production facility in Jordan to 3D-print limbs for Gaza amputees. FIANZ spokesperson Abdur Razzaq said thousands of children have been maimed in the conflict. "They're orphans, (some of) these children who have seen their mothers and fathers killed, they've lost all their family and everything - they've also lost their arms. "Just to give them a prosthetic, a smile on their face, that life is meaning something - we can't delay it." He said there was a desperate need for prosthetic limbs, particularly for children, and the partnership with UNICEF was a continuation of the association's humanitarian aid work in the region. Cellphone images of the children and digital measurements could be used to 3D-print bespoke limbs, he said, with the aim of updating the limbs to fit as the child grew. Razzaq said the more than $250,000 had been raised for the project should provide limbs for thousands of children and hoped to see it launch within weeks. He said the goal was to make it sustainable, not a "one-off, ad-hoc" solution. "It's not going to be easy, it is going to be expensive, but it is much, much needed." UNICEF Aotearoa said 3D prosthetics cost about a sixth of the price of traditional prosthetics and it was collaborating with manufacturers and hospital and physiotherapist teams in the region. "Partnerships with existing hospitals and facilities will help UNICEF ensure children in Gaza are still reached despite incredibly difficult conditions at the border and the breaking of the previous ceasefire," it said in a statement. UNICEF Aotearoa chief executive Michelle Sharp said she hoped the ground-breaking project would become a blueprint for the future. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Scoop
28-04-2025
- Health
- Scoop
UNICEF To Launch Groundbreaking Project To 3D Print Prosthetics For War-injured Gaza Children
A groundbreaking project to 3D print prosthetic limbs for war-injured children in Gaza will be launched by UNICEF, thanks to funding from a New Zealand organisation. Gaza currently has the highest number of child amputees per capita in the world. Over 23,000 children have sustained conflict-related injuries, and many thousands are facing disabilities and needing long-term rehabilitation. Funding of more than quarter of a million dollars from a new collaboration between UNICEF Aotearoa and the Federated Islamic Association of New Zealand ( FIANZ) has allowed a pilot to launch with the planning of a production facility in Jordan to 'print' desperately needed prosthetics. 3D printed prosthetics cost around a sixth of the price of traditional prosthetics and can be made efficiently based on digital measurements taken using a smart phone. This helps solve the common issues of seriously injured children facing long and treacherous journeys to clinics to be assessed. They also allow for the fact that as children grow, they need new and updated components every six months. The project is intended to vastly improve efficiency and outcomes for children. UNICEF is working with leading global prosthetics manufacturers, alongside hospital and physiotherapist teams in the region who will collaborate on the wrap-around services each affected child may need. Partnerships with existing hospitals and facilities will help UNICEF ensure children in Gaza are still reached despite incredibly difficult conditions at the border and the breaking of the previous ceasefire. FIANZ president Ibrar Shaikh said the organisation has a focus on improving the lives of children, who are often the most affected by conflict. "This project directly addresses the physical and emotional well-being of children, alongside providing a tangible way to restore hope and dignity," he said. "The collaboration between a local organisation like FIANZ and a global entity like UNICEF demonstrates how even smaller organisations can contribute meaningfully to groundbreaking humanitarian efforts. This work serves as an inspiration for other organisations to strive beyond their perceived limitations, reinforcing the collective potential to create a more compassionate and just world". UNICEF Aotearoa CEO Michelle Sharp said the funding collaboration was a leading example of the tangible change and impact that can be made for children. "When organisations with a passion to help others, such as FIANZ, join with us - we can make incredible things happen to improve the lives of children who are enduring some of the toughest conditions imaginable," she said. "This funding has meant a groundbreaking project has been able to launch which will go on to become a blueprint for the future as we aim to reach as many children in need as possible. We are honoured to build this relationship with FIANZ and look forward to seeing the outcomes we can achieve together". UNICEF Aotearoa is running a Children of Gaza Crisis Appeal here:
