The College has received the below messages of support from international stakeholders following the tragedy in Christchurch on Friday 15 March 2019.
World Organisation of Family Doctor
"The President, CEO and all of the WONCA Executive extend our condolences to our Member Organisation on the massacre at the mosque in Christchurch. We realise that the horror of such an act, in a country which prides itself on its peacefulness and inclusivity, must be horribly shocking. We also realise that you, as family doctors, will be faced with the aftermath of the crisis, dealing with the consequences to families affected both directly and indirectly by the appalling act of terror. People no longer feel safe. That impacts on their ability to undertake normal, usual, tasks and makes people feel and act with caution where they previously would have lived, worked and worshipped in safety. Our hearts go out to all of you."
Rural World Organisation of Family Doctor
"I am, on behalf of all of us in RuralWonca sending our condolences and heartfelt sympathy to our colleagues in New Zealand in the wake of the horrific shooting that occurred in Christchurch. It has been pointed out to me that one of the victims was a rural hospital doctor Dr Amjad Kasem Hami. It is particularly sad that a medical colleague working in a rural hospital in such a wonderful, safe and tolerant country should meet his death in this way. We send our condolences to his family and friends. I am sure that all of you in the rural health family will stand together with our New Zealand colleagues and denounce this dreadful act. Rural life is built on trust, compassion, tolerance and cohesion"
This is abhorrent to us all.
John Wynn-Jones, Chair
British Medical Association Council
“We send our thoughts and condolences to the victims and their loved ones, and solidarity to our friends at the New Zealand Medical Association and healthcare professionals working tirelessly on the front line treating the wounded and those traumatised by this horrific attack.”
Dr Chaand Nagpaul, Chair
Spanish Society of Family and Community Medicine
“We would like to send you and College members’ our sincere condolences on the massacre at the mosque in Christchurch. We are still shocked at that horrible and devastating terrorist act. Our hearts and prayers go to all of the victims and their families and friends.”
José Miguel Bueno Ortiz, International Officer
Australian & New Zealand Mental Health Association
“Our hearts go out to everyone affected, especially our New Zealand members, their families, and those directly involved in this distressful experience. You are all in our thoughts and prayers, as are all the people of New Zealand.”
Sam Stewart, Chief Executive Officer
World Organisation of Family Doctor - Past President
“As useless as it may be – I want you to know how sad I am for you, colleagues and the people of Christchurch, and for the whole country - which is known as loving and lovely.”
Amanda Howe, Immediate Past President
Asia Pacific GP Colleges
The College received a number of messages of support from Asia Pacific GP Colleges:
- “We are greatly saddened by the devastating loss of life caused by senseless violence in Christchurch last week. On behalf of all of us from Singapore, we mourn with all of NZ during this heart wrenching time.”
- “Our hearts are with you all in NZ all the way. Please accept our sincere condolences.”
- “There are no words to match the hurt and grief, our thoughts are with our RNZCGP colleagues.”
- “Heartfelt condolences together with you and NZ colleagues for this NZ tragedy.”
- "Please accept my deepest condolences toward this heart-breaking tragedy. No hate crime or hate speech should be tolerated under any circumstances."
- “Our sincere condolences to NZ colleagues.”
- “Please know that you and all of NZ are very much in our thoughts and prayers at this time - our deepest condolences and solidarity with you and your members.”
- "The Academy of Family Physicians of Malaysia share the same profound sympathies to our New Zealand colleagues, especially when Malaysian citizens themselves fell victims to this horrendous tragedy.
Fortunately my nephew and niece and their family were safe."