Dame Susan Devoy
Wellington, January 29, 2018
Human Rights Commission mourns the loss of humanitarian and community leader Hashem Slaimankhel.
The Auckland community leader and advocate Hashem Slaimankhel was murdered by terrorists while visiting Afghanistan (as reported by Indian Newslink yesterday).
We have lost a great New Zealander.
Legacy of Service
A humble man and a leader who worked and volunteered to ensure his people, particularly Muslim women and children, had support and opportunities.
The legacy he leaves behind is a great one.
I am deeply saddened by his tragic death and our aroha goes out to his family and loved ones.
A former refugee, Dr Slaimankhel fled Afghanistan and walked for eight days to the Pakistan border, arriving in New Zealand in 1989.
Champion of causes
For the past 29 years, Hashem has volunteered and worked in the community and health sector. He was fearless about addressing issues head on and chaired the Umma Trust, a social service for Muslim women, children and families.
As a young boy, he dreamed of becoming a doctor to help people, and Hashem certainly dedicated his life to doing just that.
We have also lost a great humanitarian, who was dedicated to peace and humanity
Humanity must come first – if you do something with good heart then you’ll achieve it easily.
Dame Susan Devoy is Race Relations Commissioner at the New Zealand Human Rights Commission.
