Press Statement attributable to
the Spokesperson of the High Representative for
the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC)
on the violent clashes in Al-Aqsa Mosque – East Jerusalem
New York – 15 April 2022
The High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), Mr. Miguel Moratinos, expresses his alarm over the violent clashes on Friday that took place in al-Aqsa Mosque in East Jerusalem, as thousands of Muslims gathered for prayers during the Holy month of Ramadan.
The High Representative expresses his deep concern over the heightened violence in the holy site which was preceded by weeks of provocations and escalating tensions echoing last year’s deadly clashes that started in and around Jerusalem and resulted in igniting a cycle of attacks and counter-attacks between Israel and the Palestinians in Gaza.
The High Representative recalls his statement of yesterday on 14 April, 2022 in which he invoked the spirit of these holy days celebrated and observed by Muslims, Christians and Jews around the world. The convergence of the holy occasions of Ramadan, Easter and Passover reminds us of how much we share in common. In this context, the High Representative calls on all parties demonstrate mutual respect and refrain from provocation in any form.
The High Representative also recalls the “UN Plan of Action to Safeguard Religious Sites: In Unity and Solidarity for Safe Worship” which advocates the sanctity of religious sites and stresses the right of all believers to access the holy sites and to practice their religious rituals and traditions freely, peacefully, and safely without fear or intimidation.