UN condemns Pakistan’s fatal mosque attack

Antonio Guterres, the UN Secretary General, and other prominent figures have severely denounced the suicide bombing that occurred in a mosque in Peshawar, Pakistan, on Monday and resulted in at least 59 deaths and 150 injuries.

A militant organization has claimed responsibility for the attack, which took place at the crowded mosque.

According to reports, the bombing caused the roof of the building to collapse onto the worshipers within.

In a statement sent by his spokesperson, Stephanie Dujarric, Guterres stated, “It is particularly heinous that the attack occurred at a place of worship.”

“Freedom of religion or belief, including the ability to worship in peace and security, is a universal human right.”

Guterres expressed sympathy to the relatives of the victims and wished those who were hurt a speedy recovery while reiterating the UN’s support for the Pakistani government and people in their fight against terrorism and violent extremism.

Miguel Angel Moratinos, the High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), also denounced the attack and stressed that all acts of terror and violence committed against civilians or religious sites because of their faith or beliefs are intolerable and should be categorically condemned.

He stated, also expressing deep concern at the overall rise in instances of discrimination, intolerance and all acts of violence directed against members of any religious or other communities, “Houses of worship are sacred places where worshippers should be able to practice and declare their faith safely and freely.”

This includes occurrences brought on by prejudices against people of different religions, beliefs, gender, or races, as well as incidents driven by anti-Semitism, Christianophobia, and Islamophobia.

He urged governments and other stakeholders to support the UN Plan of Action to Safeguard Religious Sites, which has been developed by the Alliance at the request of the Secretary-General. He also called for the mutual respect of all religions and faiths and for fostering a culture of fraternity and peace.