Press Statement
Attributable to the Spokesperson of the High Representative for the
United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC)
on the terrorist attack on a Shiite mosque in Kandahar – Afghanistan
New York – 15 October 2021
The High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), Mr. Miguel Ángel Moratinos, unequivocally condemns the cowardly terrorist attack on the Shiite mosque of Imam Bargah-e-Fatima in Kandahar, Afghanistan that took place today, 15 October 2021. The attack resulted so far in at least 47 people killed and 70 wounded. Mr. Moratinos is alarmed at the recurrent heinous attacks by extremists and terrorists groups targeting civilians and houses of worship in Afghanistan the latest of which was on 8 October, 2021.
The High Representative stresses that all forms of violence and acts of terror against civilians and religious sites on account of their religion or belief are intolerable and unjustifiable. He reiterates that houses of worship are sacred places 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, the High Representative expresses his condolences to the victims’ families and wishes the injured a speedy recovery.