“I fully endorse the strong condemnation made by the UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, of the Internet broadcast of an offensively anti-Islamic video made by the Dutch parliamentarian Geert Wilders. There is no justification for such an expression of hate or incitation to violence,” stated Koïchiro Matsuura.

“On this occasion, let me recall the decision taken in April 2006 by UNESCO’s Executive Board regarding the issue of respect for freedom of expression and respect for religious beliefs and religious symbols. This decision, which reaffirms strongly the exercise of freedom of expression in a spirit of mutual respect and mutual understanding, is fully in line with the rights and obligations contained in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948 as well as in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights of 1966. This decision is today more relevant than ever”, Mr. Matsuura added.

“Hence, I join my voice to that of Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and others who have spoken out against this film to appeal for a calm and enlightened dialogue among communities of different cultures and religions and to avoid any escalation of tensions”.