The High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) has reiterated that the desecration of sacred religious books is not freedom of expression but rather an expression of contempt and religious hatred.

"The High Representative also condemns the acts of violence and the storming of the Swedish Embassy in Baghdad today. He reiterates that the desecration of sacred religious books and religious sites is a disrespectful and provocative act. Such acts often lead to agitation and incitement to violence. At the same time, he stresses that violence is never an appropriate response to provocation, adding that the freedom of assembly is a fundamental human right," added the statement.