Dear Editor,
The Muslim Community of Guyana, represented by the various Islamic organizations strongly condemns the bloodshed, destruction, violence and human rights atrocities that are taking place in several countries, such as Syria, Egypt, Palestine, Nigeria, Burma and Iraq, and calls on the international community, led by the United Nations and other powerful world bodies, to take definite and decisive action to put a quick end to this human suffering. This appeal was made at our Peace and Solidarity Walk and Rally held on Saturday, 31st August, 2013 at the Queenstown Jama Masjid in Georgetown.
The rally which was attended by hundreds of Muslims from different parts of the country, was addressed by several prominent Muslim leaders and scholars who called on Muslims to unite and strengthen the bonds of brotherhood; to be patient and steadfast in our practice of our faith during these times of crises and to remain firm on the side of justice, respect for human rights and worldwide peace and equality for all mankind regardless of race, creed, status and nationality.
Additionally, participants were made aware of the worsening crisis facing Muslims in certain hotspots, such as Syria, Egypt, Iraq, Palestine and Burma.
They were told of the ongoing war and bloodshed in these countries which have resulted in tens of thousands of persons being killed; hundreds of thousands more being injured; over one million children refugees fleeing the civil war in Syria; the illegal use of chemical weapons in Syria which have killed scores of innocent civilians, mostly women and children; the massacre of hundreds of pro-democracy protestors in Egypt by the military and the plight of the Rohingya Muslims in Burma, who are subjected to systematic genocide in their ancestral homeland and who Amnesty International described as the people facing the worst predicament in the world.
The rally concluded with special prayers for global peace, unity and human dignity for Muslims in these countries and the world over, as well for all humanity.
The gathering also condemned the atrocities committed against innocent people, the blatant violations of human rights and crimes against humanity and called upon our government; the international community led by the United Nations, the United States Government, the European Union, the Organization of Islamic Countries, Human Rights organizations and all freedom-loving people to take a strong stand against these atrocities and to use their power and influence to bring an end to these human tragedies.
Yours faithfully,
S Hussein
GIT Secretariat