Statement Attributable to the Spokesperson of the High-Representative of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations
On the terrorist attack on a mosque in Oudalan – Burkina Faso
New York – 12 October 2019
The High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), Mr. Miguel Angel Moratinos strongly condemns the terrorist attack on a mosque in the village of Salmossi in the province of Oudalan in Burkina Faso that killed at least 16 worshipers and injured others.
According to news reports, the heinous attack took place during Friday prayers but was only reported today.
The High Representative stresses that all forms of violence and acts of terror targeting religious sites and worshipers, regardless of their faiths and beliefs, are unjustifiable. He recalls the United Nations Plan of Action to Safeguard Religious Sites, which was developed by UNAOC and launched by the United Nations Secretary-General Mr. António Guterres on 12 September 2019 and calls on all governments, as well as all relevant stakeholders, to support the implementation of the plan so as to guarantee the sanctity of worship places and the safety of worshipers. Mr. Moratinos re-iterated that houses of worship where worshipers observe their rituals in a spirit of compassion and peace, should not be sites for bloodshed and terror.
The High Representative for UNAOC expresses his condolences to the victims’ families and the Government and people of Burkina Faso, and wishes a speedy recovery to those who were injured in the attack.