Swedish Committee for Afghanistan strongly condemns the desecration of the Holy Quran

The Swedish Committee for Afghanistan (SCA) strongly condemns the desecration of the Holy Quran that took place in Sweden today. We are saddened and appalled by the incident, carried out by man of Iraqi origin outside the Iraqi embassy in Stockholm.

Desecration of the Holy Quran is a despicable display of Islamophobia and hatred. It is an insult to all Muslims around the world who hold this sacred text dear to their hearts, and it constitutes a flagrant attack on the Islamic faith. It serves no purpose other than to incite division and hatred.

SCA is not a Swedish government entity. SCA is a non-governmental organisation, independent and impartial in relation to all political stakeholders and states. SCA activities in Afghanistan are funded by a broad range of donors including UN agencies and the EU.

For over 40 years, SCA has been working in close collaboration with the rural population and in deep respect of both Islam and local traditions in Afghanistan. Millions of Afghans have benefitted from our services in healthcare, education, support for people with disabilities, and rural development.

SCA denounces all acts of desecration of the Holy Quran, just as we condemn any attempt to create conflict or hostility between people based on religious belief, ethnicity, nationality, or any other division.