The United Nations has condemned the burning of Holy Quran in front of a mosque in the centre of Stockholm, Sweden.

A statement on Thursday read that: “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.”

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

The High-Representative also reiterated the importance of upholding the freedom of expression as a fundamental human right, while at the same time stressing that the desecration of sacred books and places of worship as well as religious symbols is unacceptable and can lead to incitement of violence.

He further reiterated that mutual respect is essential for building and promoting just, inclusive and peaceful societies rooted in human rights and dignity for all.

The High Representative recalled 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.