Press Statement
Attributable to the Spokesperson of the High Representative
for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC)
on the Terrorist Attack at London Central Mosque
New York – 21 February 2020
The High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), H.E. Mr. Miguel Ángel Moratinos, condemns in the strongest terms the attempted murder of a prayer leader at a mosque in Central London on Thursday. The victim was stabbed in front of hundreds of onlookers before his attacker was wrestled to the ground by worshippers.
The High Representative stresses that all forms of violence and acts of terror targeting religious sites and worshipers, regardless of their faiths and beliefs, are unjustifiable. He recalls the UN Plan of Action to Safeguard Religious Sites, which was developed by UNAOC and calls on all governments, as well as all relevant stakeholders, to support the implementation of the plan to guarantee the sanctity of worship places and the safety of worshipers.
Mr. Moratinos notes that the attack at London Central Mosque adds to a growing number of attacks targeting various communities around the world, including racially motivated attacks such as the shooting that took place in a bar late Wednesday in Hanau, Germany, in which nine people died. The High Representative reiterates that such heinous terrorist acts should not dissuade us from taking a collective stand against terrorism in all its forms and continuing to work to promote tolerance and respect for the other.
On behalf of UNAOC, the High Representative wishes a speedy recovery to the victim and conveys his solidarity to the people and the Government of the United Kingdom.
Ms. Nihal Saad, UNAOC Chief of Cabinet and Spokesperson for the High Representative
saadn@un.org |www.unaoc.org | Twitter: @UNAOC