Press Statement by the High Representative
for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC)
and United Nations Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia
on the closure of Al Aqsa Mosque in Old City of Jerusalem
The High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations and UN Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia, Under-Secretary-General Miguel Ángel Moratinos, is deeply concerned about the continued closure of the gates of Al Aqsa Mosque/Al Haram Al-Sharif in Jerusalem, to Muslim worshippers particularly during the last ten days of the holy month of Ramadan.
He reiterates that unilateral measures taken by the Israeli government restricting access to places of worship across the Old City of Jerusalem, including Al Aqsa Mosque, is a violation of international law and international humanitarian law as well as the legal status quo of Jerusalem.
The High Representative also recalls the “UN Plan of Action to Safeguard Religious Sites: In Unity and Solidarity for Safe Worship” which stresses the right of all believers to access holy sites and to practice their religious rituals and traditions freely, peacefully, and safely without fear or intimidation.