On Wednesday, social media platforms witnessed renewed calls to combat Islamophobia and promote the security and rights of Muslim minorities in societies, on the occasion of the fourth anniversary of the armed attack on two mosques in New Zealand and the International Day against Islamophobia.
The United Nations adopted a resolution last year designating March 15 every year as a day to combat Islamophobia, with Pakistan submitting the resolution on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
It marks the day when a gunman stormed two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, and opened fire on worshippers, killing 51 people and wounding 40 others.
New Zealand media described the day as a focal point that "changed the city and Muslim community forever" and noted that the families of the victims have so far suffered from their inability to overcome their ordeal.
New Zealand newspapers report that investigations are continuing into whether police forces were late in responding to the March 2019 attack, although a faster police response will increase the chances of survival of some victims.
New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade reiterated its condemnation of the attack in Christchurch.
European human rights organizations also pointed to the need to combat "white supremacy" and extremist and racist theories adopted by right-wing parties, with a number of organizations blaming theories of "white supremacy" on the continent for crimes against Muslims and minorities.
The Institute for Strategic Dialogue wrote: "Today we remember those killed in that attack and others since, in attacks fueled by far-right ideology and fueled by hatred."
He added in a statement on Twitter that the attack on two mosques in New Zealand "is the result of a significant growth in far-right ideology that has prevailed globally since the first decade of the 21st century."
The American Leadership Conference Consortium, which includes several rights organizations, mourned the victims of the attack, saying, "As we honor their memory today, we must remain united in the fight to end white supremacy and eradicate hatred and intolerance in all its forms."
The UK's Islamic Integration and Development (MEND) said the International Day Against Islamophobia coincides with the anniversary of the horrific attack on worshippers by a gunman in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Islamophobia has fueled hatred, division and violence, which has had negative consequences for society as a whole.
Australian Senator Mehreen Farooqi also tweeted: "4 years ago, racism killed 51 people in New Zealand."
"The Christchurch shooter was produced by Australia and right-wing extremism continues to threaten our safety and well-being."
On the International Day against Islamophobia, Farooqi called for a commitment to "eradicate all forms of racism once and for all."