UN condemns deadly mosque attack in Pakistan

Guterres

UN Secretary General Anthony Guterres

By Cecilia Ologunagba

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and other high-ranking officials condemned Monday’s suicide bombing at a mosque in Peshawar, Pakistan, which killed at least 59 people and injured 150 more.

According to reports, a militant group claimed responsibility for the attack, which occurred at the crowded mosque.

Reports showed that the bombing caused the roof to collapse on top of the worshipers inside.

“It is particularly abhorrent that the attack occurred at a place of worship,” Guterres said in a statement issued by his spokeswoman, Stephanie Dujarric.

“Freedom of religion or belief, including the ability to worship in peace and security, is a universal human right.”

The UN Chief extended his condolences to the victims’ families and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

Guterres reaffirmed the United Nations’ solidarity with the government and people of Pakistan in their efforts to combat terrorism and violent extremism.

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Miguel Moratinos, the High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), also condemned the attack, emphasising that all forms of violence and acts of terror against civilians and religious sites on the basis of their religion or belief are intolerable and unjustifiable, and should be condemned unequivocally.

“Houses of worship are sacred places where worshippers should be able to practice and declare their faith safely and freely,” he said

He also expressed deep concern at the overall rise in instances of discrimination, intolerance, and all acts of violence directed against members of any religious or other communities.

This includes incidents motivated by Islamophobia, anti-Semitism, and Christianophobia, and prejudices against persons of other religions, beliefs, gender, or race.

Meanwhile, he called for mutual respect of all religions and faiths and for fostering a culture of fraternity and peace.

However, he asked governments and other stakeholders to support the UN Plan of Action to Safeguard Religious Sites, which has been developed by the Alliance, at the request of the Secretary-General.

NAN

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