UN chief says religion should be bridge between people

Religion should be a bridge between people, not a wedge, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told participants in conference on religious minorities in Muslim countries in the Moroccan city of Marrakesh.

"Inter-faith dialogue is necessary and urgent. Religious leaders have a responsibility to help heal differences in their communities," UN Chief said in a message to the conference entitled "The Rights of Religious Minorities in predominantly Muslim Lands: Legal Framework and A Call To Action" which kicked off Monday morning in Marrakech.

"There are no quick remedies, and solutions will have to come from within," he said, calling for common work to preserve and reinforce diversity and dignity across the Middle East.

He noted that the United Nations will continue to support efforts to end the cycles of violence and discrimination, including through the Alliance of Civilizations initiative, the Human Rights up Front effort and the recently issued Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism.

He stressed that the history of the Middle East is rich with examples of co-existence and pluralism, warning that today's unresolved conflicts, violent extremism and injustice are endangering the region's people, destroying centuries-old social fabrics and undermining economic and social progress.

This three-day meeting bring together prominent scholars, experts, religious leaders, and government officials. Endit