In a landmark meeting in Damascus, UN rights chief Volker Türk emphasized the profound agony endured by former detainees under the ousted Assad regime. He expressed solidarity with the Syrian people as they endeavor to reconstruct a nation that serves all its citizens. After his discussions with caretaker authority leader, Ahmad Al-Sharaa, Türk received assurances regarding the commitment to human rights throughout Syria’s diverse community.
The de facto leader highlighted essential themes such as healing and social cohesion, alongside necessary institutional reforms. However, Türk pointed out staggering challenges, mentioning the immense loss of lives, widespread devastation, and the dire humanitarian crisis affecting nine out of ten Syrians living in extreme poverty. Moreover, many are displaced, with urgent needs for fundamental rights like food, education, and health care left unaddressed.
Türk called for an immediate review of ongoing sanctions, advocating for their reconsideration due to their impact on the Syrian populace’s lives. During his visit, he heard heart-wrenching accounts of torture, especially concerning Sednaya prison, where violations were documented for years. He recounted chilling experiences of prisoners fearing daily tortures or executions at the hands of their captors.
Traversing the wreckage of Jobar in Damascus, Türk lamented the desolation wrought by relentless bombardments. No structure in this neighborhood was spared, underlining the sheer brutality inflicted during the conflict. He also noted that the deployment of banned chemical weapons against civilians—a grim reality highlighted by tragic chlorine gas attacks—demonstrates the heinous tactics utilized by the former regime, qualifying them as severe violations of international law.
Beyond the visible destruction, Türk acknowledged the pressing need for the Syrian people for every possible assistance to rebuild a peaceful, inclusive nation. The UN human rights office remains committed, with a dedicated team monitoring Syria since 2013. Still, he warned of persistent threats facing the country’s sovereignty, emphasizing the obligation to uphold Syria’s territorial integrity while striving for peace in the face of ongoing hostilities. His ultimate hope is for a unified future where all Syrians can thrive together, transcending differences in gender, religion, and ethnicity.
UN rights chief Volker Türk met with Syrian caretaker leader Ahmad Al-Sharaa, discussing the severe human rights abuses and humanitarian crises in Syria. He highlighted the immense struggles faced by the populace, calling for a review of sanctions that affect daily lives. Türk’s visit emphasized the need for healing and rebuilding a unified nation while addressing the ongoing threats to Syria’s sovereignty.
In conclusion, Volker Türk’s historic visit to Syria shed light on the immense suffering endured by its people under the Assad regime. He called for urgent action to address human rights and humanitarian crises while advocating for the reconsideration of sanctions impacting the populace. His hope rests on a collaborative rebuild of Syria, fostering a society where all citizens can thrive together.
The article discusses a significant meeting involving the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, in Syria, focusing on the human rights situation amidst the country’s ongoing conflict. It outlines the dire humanitarian conditions faced by the Syrian population, the need for respect for human rights, and the impact of sanctions on the country. The meeting also highlights the atrocities committed during the war, including torture and the use of chemical weapons, while emphasizing the role of the UN in supporting the rebuilding efforts in Syria.
Original Source: news.un.org
