UN Condemns Pakistan Mosque Bombing Attack Resulting in 209 Deaths
Antonio Guterres, secretary general of the UN, and other prominent figures have vehemently denounced the suicide bombing that occurred in a mosque in Peshawar, Pakistan, on Monday and resulted in at least 59 fatalities and 150 injuries.
In accordance with reports, a militant organization took credit for the attack at the busy mosque.
According to reports, the roof of the building collapsed onto the worshipers inside as a result of the bombing.
The fact that the incident took place in a house of worship is especially reprehensible, said Mr. Guterres in a statement released by his spokesman, Stephanie Dujarric.
He stated that “freedom of religion or belief, including the right to practice one’s religion in safety and peace, is a universal human right.”
Guterres emphasized the UN’s support for Pakistan in its fight against terrorism and violent extremism while offering his sympathies to the relatives of the deceased and his best wishes for a speedy recovery to the injured.
Miguel Angel Moratinos, the UNAOC’s high representative, also denounced the attack and emphasized that all acts of terror and violence committed against citizens or sacred places because of their faith or beliefs are intolerable, unjustified, and must be categorically rejected.
He also expressed deep concern at the general rise in incidents of discrimination, intolerance, and all acts of violence targeted against members of any religious or other communities, saying that “houses of worship are sacred places where worshippers should be able to practice and declare their faith safely and freely.”
Incidents driven by racism, anti-Semitism, Christianophobia, and prejudices against people of different religions, ideologies, genders, or races are included in this category.
He urged governments and all stakeholders to embrace the UN Plan of Action to Safeguard Religious Sites, which the Alliance created at the secretary general’s request. He also called for the respect of all religions and faiths and encouraged the development of a culture of fraternity and peace.
