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New Zealand’s first African MP gave a moving maiden speech to Wellington’s House of Representatives on November 26, describing his journey from war-torn Eritrea into the island nation’s government.

“I’m an Eritrean. I’m a son, brother, a friend. I’m a Muslim. I’m a former refugee. I’m a trade unionist and a living-wage activist. But most importantly I stand here today in front of you bursting with pride as a Kiwi who loves Aotearoa, New Zealand. ” Ibrahim Omer said in his first speech to parliament.

He is the county’s second former refugee to become a member of parliament, the first being Green Party MP Golriz Ghahraman. Credit: New Zealand Parliament via Storyful