# UN Slams 'Discriminatory' Swiss Minaret Ban December 01, 2009 Author: Bradley S. Klapper Source: Google News Wire Service: AP The United Nations called Switzerland's ban on new minarets "clearly discriminatory" and deeply divisive, and the Swiss foreign minister acknowledged Tuesday the government was very concerned about how the vote would affect the country's image. U.N. human rights chief Navi Pillay said Sunday's referendum to outlaw the construction of minarets in Switzerland was the product of "anti-foreigner scare-mongering." The criticism from Pillay, whose office is based in the Swiss city of Geneva, comes after an outcry from Muslim countries, Switzerland's European neighbors and human rights watchdogs since 57.5 percent of the Swiss population ratified the ban. The Swiss government opposed the initiative but has sought to defend it as an action not against Islam or Muslims, but one aimed at improving integration and fighting extremism. See also:- [ Advocacy/Government ](/news-stories/advocacygovernment) - [ Minaret Referendum in Switzerland ](/news-stories/minaret-referendum-switzerland) - [ Islam in Europe ](/news-stories/islam-europe) - [ Religious Freedom ](/news-stories/religious-freedom) - [ Islam ](/religions/islam) - [ Civic ](/tags/civic) - [ International ](/tags/international) Share on:- [ Facebook ](#) - [ Twitter ](#) - [ Linkedin ](#)