UN Alliance of Civilizations condemns terrorist attacks on mosques in New Zealand

UNITED NATIONS, March 15 (Xinhua) -- The high representative for the UN Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), Miguel Moratinos, on Friday strongly condemned "the barbaric terrorist attacks" on Muslim worshippers in two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Hate crimes as such are totally unacceptable and unjustifiable by whomever and wherever they are being perpetrated, said Moratinos in a press statement.

He noted that despite efforts made, certain ideological mindsets continue to project their uncivilized and ugly face in the world and deliberately twist religious interpretation to serve their despicable intentions. "These vicious forces should not hamper our efforts nor dissuade our political will to prevent and combat violent extremism, hate speech and xenophobia in all its forms."

Moratinos reiterated the commitment of the UNAOC to continue to work on promoting tolerance and understanding as well as strengthening the culture of peace among all people, regardless of race, color, language or faith.

On behalf of the UNAOC, Moratinos expressed his heartfelt condolences to the victims' families and his sympathies to the people and government of New Zealand.

Gunmen opened fire at two separate mosques in Christchurch on Friday, killing 49 people and wounding 48 others.