Statement Attributable to
the Spokesperson of the High Representative for the
United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC)
on the bomb attack on a Mosque in Kunduz, Afghanistan
New York – 8 October 2021
The High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), H.E. Mr. Miguel Ángel Moratinos, strongly condemned the suicide bomb attack on a mosque in Kunduz in northern Afghanistan. The heinous attack killed 100 worshippers mostly Shiite Muslims during the Friday noon prayer service, according to a Taliban police official. Mr. Moratinos says he is alarmed at the despicable attacks targeting houses of worship in Afghanistan particularly that today’s attack is the second in less than a week.
The High Representative stresses that all forms of violence and acts of terror against worshippers and religious sites based on religion or belief are intolerable and unjustifiable. He reiterates that houses of worship are sacred havens where worshipers should be able to practice their faith safely and freely.
He recalls the UN Plan of Action to Safeguard Religious Sites, which was developed by UNAOC, and calls on all governments and relevant stakeholders to support the implementation of the plan to guarantee the safety of holy sites and worshipers.
On behalf of UNAOC, Mr. Moratinos expresses his condolences to the victims’ families and conveys his sympathy and solidarity to the people of Afghanistan.
Contact: Ms. Nihal Saad, UNAOC Chief of Cabinet and Spokesperson for the High Representative, saadn@un.org.