Venkat Raman
Christchurch, June 15, 2021
Terrorism, Extreme Violence, Hate Speech- and the means of combating these despicable ‘diseases’ that is eating into the vitals of the modern society are the issues that are dominating this week in New Zealand.
The reason? A three-day Hui, the first of its kind, that is currently underway in Christchurch, organised by the Department of the Prime Minister and the Cabinet, obviously at the behest of Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. More than 200 people representing a cross-section of our society are discussing the topics without fear or reservation and the stakeholders are listening. Among them are the Prime Ministers, many of her colleagues, government officials, the New Zealand Police and the media.
Inaugurating the formal session this morning (Tuesday, June 15, 2021), Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern described the Hui as ‘an important milestone for Aotearoa,’ and said that for the first time in history of New Zealand, there is an open public conversation, to build an understanding of the research on radicalisation; to look at ways we can challenge hate-motivated extremist ideologies; and to facilitate a discussion about our priorities to address New Zealand’s terrorism and violent extremism issues.
She named four pillars of the country’s Counter-Terrorism Strategy as (1) Understand (2) Work Together (3) Prevent and (4) Be Ready to Respond and Recover.
Ms Ardern said that the ‘Centre of Excellence,’ another outcome of the government’s response to the 44 Recommendations of the Royal Commission of Inquiry, will be shaped through public debate and discussion at the two-day Hui and thereafter.
“The Centre will bring a uniquely national focus to research on preventing and countering violent extremism, understanding diversity, and promoting social cohesion. My view is that New Zealand has something unique to offer in the counter terrorism space, and the ongoing work of the centre of excellence will be our opportunity to do that,” she said.
Indian Newslink will cover the issues discussed over the next few days.
One of the most interesting sessions today was ‘The Role of the Media: Building Cultural understanding and countering Violent Extremism.’
The mainstream media was held to account by the delegates attending the Conference. We will discuss this subject in Indian Newslink shortly.
We have led our June 15, 2021 Digital Edition with a commentary on Ms Arden’s speech. The issue carries our usual sections-Current Affairs, Politics, Education, Fiji, Business, Opinion, Community, Entertainment and Sports.
Please read and share with your friends and colleagues.
With Greetings from the Indian Newslink Team
