Rescue workers carried the remains of blast victims from the debris of a damaged mosque following an explosion inside the police headquarters in Peshawar on January 30, 2023. The blast at the mosque resulted in the deaths of at least 25 worshippers and left 120 others wounded, according to officials.
The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, along with other high-ranking officials, strongly condemned the suicide bombing that occurred at the mosque in Peshawar, which left at least 59 people dead and 150 injured. A militant group has claimed responsibility for the attack, which took place in a crowded mosque, causing the roof to collapse on worshippers inside. In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Stephanie Dujarric, Guterres expressed that it is particularly abhorrent for such an attack to occur in a place of worship. He emphasized that freedom of religion or belief, including the ability to worship in peace and security, is a universal human right.
Guterres extended his condolences to the families of the victims and wished for a swift recovery for those injured. He reiterated the United Nations’ solidarity with the government and people of Pakistan in their efforts to combat terrorism and violent extremism. The High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilisations, Miguel Ángel Moratinos, also condemned the attack, stating that all forms of violence and acts of terror against civilians and religious sites based on their religion or belief are intolerable and unjustifiable.
Moratinos highlighted that houses of worship are sacred places where individuals should be able to practice and express their faith safely and freely. He expressed deep concern over the rising instances of discrimination, intolerance, and violence directed against members of any religion or community. This includes incidents motivated by Islamophobia, anti-Semitism, Christianophobia, and prejudices against individuals of different religions, beliefs, genders, or races. He called for mutual respect among all religions and faiths and urged governments and stakeholders to support the UN Plan of Action to safeguard religious sites, which was developed by the alliance at the request of the Secretary-General.
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