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 – Afghanistan
New York – 22 April, 2022
The High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), Mr. Miguel Ángel Moratinos, unequivocally condemns the cowardly attack on the Seh Dokan Mosque in the center of Mazar-i-Sharif in Afghanistan on Thursday. The attack resulted in killing and injuring scores of worshippers praying in the mosque.
The High Representative expresses his alarm at the recurrence of such heinous attacks perpetrated by extremists and terrorist groups in the past few days targeting places of worship, schools and civilian targets in several provinces in Afghanistan.
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.
The High Representative calls for mutual respect of all religions and faiths and for fostering a culture of fraternity and peace.
On behalf of UNAOC, the High Representative expresses his condolences to the victims’ families and wishes the injured a speedy recovery.