Press Statement
Attributable to the Spokesperson for the High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations
on the sectarian violence in New Delhi, India
New York – 29 February 2020
The High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), Mr. Miguel Moratinos expresses his grave concern over the violent sectarian clashes that took place between Hindus and Muslims throughout the week in the capital New Delhi. The deadly violence resulted in the death of approximately 40 people and injuring 300 mostly Muslims as well as setting fire on shops and mosques. At the center of these confrontations is the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) which passed last December triggering many protests by the Muslim community in India who are nearly 170 million.
The High Representative for UNAOC calls for calm and refraining from resorting to such acts of violence. He notes that India is the world’s largest democracy enriched by its multi-ethnic, multi-religious society. He reiterates that inclusive societies where equal citizenship rights prevail are essential to building peaceful societies.
The High Representative expresses his condolences to the victims’ families and wishes those who were injured a speedy recovery.