Press Statement Attributable to
the Spokesperson of the High Representative for
the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC)
Call for Respect of Religions and Beliefs
New York – 7 June 2022
The High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), Mr. Miguel Moratinos expresses his rejection of the derogatory comments about Islam made by two officials in India’s ruling party.
The High Representative notes that offensive comments or actions that aim at insulting Muslims and/or adherents of any other faith will lead to incitement of violence and will fuel hatred.
In this context, the High Representative welcomed the statement made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of India and the actions taken by the ruling party.
The High Representative reiterates the importance of strengthening efforts to advance respect for all religions and beliefs and fostering dialogue on the promotion of a culture of tolerance and peace at all levels, based on respect for human rights and for the diversity of religions and beliefs.
The High Representative recalls the United Nations Plan of Action to Safeguard Religious Sites led by the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, which provides an overarching framework and a set of recommendations including strengthening religious pluralism and promoting mutual respect and human dignity.