Press Statement
On the desecration of a mosque in Al-Bireh, the West Bank
New York – 29 July, 2020
The High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), Mr. Miguel Moratinos, strongly condemns the desecration of Al-Bir w’al Ihsan mosque in the town of Al Bireh in the West Bank yesterday. The High Representative also denounces the racist graffiti and the anti-Arab slogans that the attackers sprayed on the walls of the mosque.
According to news reports, the mosque has been vandalized in the latest case of the “price tag” attacks by Israeli settlers in the West Bank.
The High Representative recalls the UN Plan of Action to Safeguard Religious Sites developed by his office, which offers concrete recommendations to support countries in promoting the safety and sanctity of holy sites, ensuring that worshipers can observe their rituals in peace, and fostering the values of compassion, tolerance, and religious pluralism. He reiterates that we all have a responsibility to unequivocally denounce all forms of discrimination, xenophobia, and racist rhetoric against persons based on their religion or beliefs.
Ms. Nihal Saad, UNAOC Chief of Cabinet and Spokesperson for the High Representative
saadn@un.org | www.unaoc.org | Twitter: @UNAOC