Guterres Concerned About Attacks On Hindu Temples

NEW YORK, NY (IANS) – UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed concern about attacks on various religions and places of worship worldwide, according to his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric. The statement came in response to recent attacks on Hindu temples in the US, Canada, and Australia. Guterres had previously focused on the three Abrahamic religions, highlighting xenophobia, racism, intolerance, anti-Muslim hatred, anti-Semitism, and attacks on minority Christian communities.

Dujarric was asked about Guterres’ concerns specifically regarding Hinduism and the rising attacks on its places of worship. Dujarric emphasized the importance of promoting dialogue, tolerance, and protecting vulnerable religious groups, particularly when they are a minority in a community.

India has expressed concern about the exclusion of non-Abrahamic religions in UN statements and resolutions addressing bigotry and anti-religious violence. Indian officials have urged the recognition of the rise in hatred and discrimination against religions such as Buddhism, Hinduism, and Sikhism, in addition to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

During a Council session on “The Values of Humanity in Promoting and Sustaining Peace,” Guterres highlighted the role of hate in fueling conflicts and described social media as a force multiplier for hate speech. He stressed the need to address online hate and proposed a code of conduct to create a more inclusive and safer digital space while protecting freedom of expression and access to information. Guterres also called on religious leaders to prevent the instrumentalization of hatred among their followers.