United Nations, Sep 13 (UNI) Amidst a global call by Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to “reaffirm the sanctity” of religious sites and keep worshippers safe, the UN Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) launched a new plan of action to “counter hate and violence around the globe”.
“Religious sites are powerful symbols of our collective consciousness”, the UN chief said on Thursday. “When people are attacked because of their religion or beliefs, all of society is diminished”.
Mr Guterres underscored that houses of worship must be “safe havens for reflection and peace, not sites of bloodshed and terror” and all people “must be allowed to observe and practice their faiths in peace”.