Press Statement Attributable to
the Spokesperson of the High Representative for
the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC)
on Decapitating a French Teacher in a Paris Suburb
New York – 17 October 2020
The High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), Mr. Miguel Ángel Moratinos, condemns in the strongest terms the decapitation of a French school teacher on Friday in the town of Conflans-Sainte-Honorine in the north-western suburbs of Paris, France. The High Representative stresses that such heinous crime is unjustifiable whenever, wherever and by whomsoever committed.
The High Representative stresses that togetherness, peace and tolerance are rooted in religions across the faith spectrum. He re-iterates that respect of the other regardless of their culture, religion, belief or race is crucial to living together in just, peaceful, and inclusive societies. The High Representative emphasizes that freedom of religion or belief and freedom of expression are anchored in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. He also stresses that hate speech and stigma sow division and fragments societies.
He re-iterates that this horrific crime should not deter our commitment and will to stand against divisive policies and extremist ideologies in all its manifestations.
He expresses his heartfelt condolences to the victims’ family and the Government and people of France.