Desecration of the Holy Quran and Violence in Iraq

Statement by the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations

The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations released a statement on the desecration of the Holy Quran in Sweden and the violence in Iraq.

Violation of Sacred Religious Books

In a statement, the High Representative of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, Miguel Moratinos, confirmed that the violation of sacred religious books is not freedom of speech, but an expression of contempt and religious hatred.

Condemnation of Repeated Violations

The High Representative condemned repeated violations of the Holy Quran, including today’s incident in Stockholm, Sweden, in addition to his condemnation of the acts of violence and the storming of the Swedish Embassy in Baghdad.

Disrespectful and Provocative Acts

He reaffirmed that the desecration of religious books and sacred sites is a disrespectful and provocative act, and such acts often lead to sedition and incitement to violence.

Violence is Not the Answer

At the same time, he stressed that violence is never an appropriate response to provocation, adding that freedom of assembly is a fundamental human right.

United Nations Plan of Action

In this context, Miguel Moratinos referred to the United Nations Plan of Action to Protect Places of Worship, led by the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, which called for the promotion of religious pluralism, mutual respect and human dignity.

Source: RT