Ayatollah Sistani meets UN delegation, stresses need to promote culture of peaceful coexistence

Iraq's top Shia cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani has underscored the need to promote the culture of peaceful coexistence and rejection of hatred and violence, calling on followers of different faiths to observe mutual respect.

The top Iraqi cleric made the comments in a Wednesday meeting in Najaf with a UN delegation led by High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) Miguel Moratinos, and Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Iraq Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert.

Grand Ayatollah Sistani pointed to the importance of concerted efforts aimed at promoting a culture of peaceful coexistence, rejecting violence and hate, and upholding values of harmony based on paying heed to the rights and mutual respect among followers of different faiths, according to a statement published by the religious authority’s office.

Tragedies that many people and ethnic groups are suffering from are the result of intellectual and religious persecutions practiced against them as well as social injustice, he said, adding that such tragedies have played a role in the rise of extremist movements that use blind violence against the defenseless civilians as well as against religious centers and archeological sites.

Underscoring the need to address the root causes of these phenomena, the top cleric said efforts are needed to ensure the realization of justice and peace in societies.

Appreciating UN efforts in this area, he wished Moratinos success in carrying out his mission.

‘Moved by Sistani’s moderate approach

The United Nations also released a statement on the meeting, noting that Moratinos lauded Grand Ayatollah Sistani’s “wisdom and compassion.”

“He expressed how deeply moved he was by His Eminence’s moderate approach and consistent appeals for mutual respect and unity to prevail in support of diversity and peaceful co-existence,” reads the statement, quoting Moratinos.

The UN officials also presented the “United Nations Plan of Action to Safeguard Religious Sites” during the meeting. The plan of action was developed in 2019 in the aftermath of the Christchurch attacks in New Zealand. It is a global call to ensure that people are allowed to practice their faith and observe their rituals in peace.

• Pope Francis meets with Ayatollah Sistani during visit to Iraq

Back in March 2021, Grand Ayatollah Sistani received Pope Francis, noting that religious leaders have to encourage parties involved in conflicts, particularly the world powers, to give primacy to rationality over confrontation.

He also stressed the importance of efforts to strengthen peaceful coexistence and solidarity based on mutual respect among followers of different religions and intellectual groups.

The Iraqi cleric has also been hailed for his contribution to the fight against Daesh terrorists as his 2014 religious decree (fatwa) mobilized volunteer forces behind army troops on the battlefield.

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