For information only - not an official document
UNIS/INF/566
23 August 2020
The High-Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), Mr. Miguel Moratinos, strongly condemns the attack on the President of the Jewish Community in Graz, Austria. He reiterates that the antisemitic attack on Mr. Elie Rosen that took place yesterday as well as the acts of vandalism of the Graz synagogue in the past few days are despicable crimes targeting the Jewish community and their place of worship. The High Representative stresses that all forms of violence targeting religious sites and worshipers, regardless of their faiths and beliefs, are unjustifiable.
The High-Representative recalls the United Nations Plan of Action to Safeguard Religious Sites led by the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, which provides an overarching framework to support national efforts to protect religious sites and enable worshipers to observe religious rituals safely, including through strengthening religious pluralism and promoting mutual respect and human dignity.
In his capacity as the United Nations Focal Point designated by the United Nations Secretary-General to monitor antisemitism and enhance a system-wide response, the High-Representative underscores that the United Nations is fully engaged in combating antisemitism as well as all forms of discrimination and intolerance based on religion or belief. He re-iterates that the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) promotes mutual respect, cultural diversity and religious pluralism, as well as strengthening interfaith dialogue across the faith spectrum in line with its motto "Many cultures, One Humanity".
The High-Representative extends his solidarity with the Jewish community in the city of Graz and beyond.
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