The United Nations (UN) has in strong terms condemned the deadly mosque attack in Peshawar, Pakistan on Monday, that left at least 59 dead and 150 injured.
According to reports, a militant group has claimed responsibility for the attack, which occurred at a crowded mosque.
Reports showed that the bombing caused the roof to collapse on top of those inside.
Meanwhile, reacting to the attack, the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, in a statement issued by his spokesperson described the attack as ‘abhorrent’ for it to had occurred at a place of worship.
The UN chief in his message noted that it is a universal human right for persons to belong to a religion which allows them to worship in peace.
“It is particularly abhorrent that the attack occurred at a place of worship,” the Secretary-General António Guterres said in a statement issued by his Spokesperson. “Freedom of religion or belief, including the ability to worship in peace and security, is a universal human right.”
While extending his condolences to the victims’ families and a prompt recovery to those injured, Mr. Guterres reiterated the solidarity of the UN with the Government and people of Pakistan in their efforts to address terrorism and violent extremism.
Also condemning the attack, the High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), Miguel Ángel Moratinos, emphasized in a statement 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 and should be unequivocally condemned.
“Houses of worship are sacred places where worshippers should be able to practice and declare their faith safely and freely,” he said, 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.
This includes incidents motivated by Islamophobia, anti-Semitism and Christianophobia and prejudices against persons of other religions, beliefs, gender or race.
To curb future attacks on places of worship, the UN chief asked 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.