Statement Attributable to the Spokesperson for the High Representative
For the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC)
On the shootings outside a mosque in Bayonne, France
New York – 28 October 2019
The High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), H.E. Mr. Miguel Ángel Moratinos, strongly condemns the shootings outside a mosque in the city of Bayonne in south-western France. According to news reports, shots were fired outside of the mosque and the perpetrator tried to set fire to the mosque’s door. Two people who tried to stop the attacker were seriously injured during the incident, which took place while worshippers were praying inside.
The High Representative stresses that all forms of violence and acts of terror against religious sites and worshipers, regardless of their faiths and beliefs, are unjustifiable. He recalls the United Nations Plan of Action to Safeguard Religious Sites, which was developed by UNAOC and launched by the United Nations Secretary-General Mr. António Guterres on 12 September 2019. Mr. Moratinos calls on all governments, as well as all relevant stakeholders, to support the implementation of the plan in order to guarantee the safety of religious sites and worshipers.
The High Representative for UNAOC wishes a speedy recovery to those who were injured in the attack and expresses his support to the Government and people of France.