NEW YORK - The High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), Mr. Miguel Moratinos expresses his unequivocal condemnation of the burning of pages of the holy Quran on Wednesday in front of a mosque in the center of Stockholm, Sweden.

He notes that such a vile act is disrespectful to Muslims who are celebrating the holy occasion of Eid Al-Adha.

The High Representative reiterates the importance of upholding the freedom of expression as a fundamental human right. At the same time, he stresses that the desecration of sacred books and places of worship as well as religious symbols is unacceptable and can lead to incitement of violence.

The High Representative further reiterates that mutual respect is essential for building and promoting just, inclusive and peaceful societies rooted in human rights and dignity for all.

In this context, 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 and a set of recommendations including strengthening religious pluralism and promoting mutual respect and human dignity.