Press Statement
Attributable to
the Spokesperson for the High Representative for
the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC)
on the Terrorist Attack at a Catholic Church in Nice, France
New York – 29 October 2020
The High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), Mr. Miguel Ángel Moratinos, strongly condemns the barbaric attack that killed three people – two women and a man –at the Notre-Dame Basilica in the city of Nice on the southeast coast of France.
The High Representative stresses that such heinous attacks targeting civilians, including worshippers, are intolerable and utterly unjustifiable whenever, wherever and by whomsoever committed.
Mr. Moratinos reiterates that such outrageous crimes should not dissuade us from working together to promote mutual respect and peace globally as one humanity. He emphasizes that we should reject and stand-up against those who falsely and maliciously invoke religion to fuel division and spread fear and hatred. He calls for mutual respect of all religions and faiths and for fostering a culture of fraternity and peace.
He recalls the UN Plan of Action to Safeguard Religious Sites, developed by UNAOC, and calls on all governments and relevant stakeholders to support its implementation. He also invites people to join UNAOC’s global call to action #forSafeWorship to help guarantee the sanctity of religious sites and the safety of worshipers worldwide.
Mr. Moratinos recently issued a Call for Mutual Respect and a press statement on the decapitation of a French teacher in a Paris suburb.
On behalf of UNAOC, Mr. Moratinos expresses his deepest condolences to the victims’ families and conveys his sympathy and solidarity to the people and the Government of France.
Ms. Nihal Saad, UNAOC Chief of Cabinet and Spokesperson for the High Representative
saadn@un.org | www.unaoc.org | Twitter: @UNAOC