The U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, expressed disbelief over the staggering number of atrocities committed in Syria. He highlighted the necessity for transitional justice following the regime of President Bashar Assad, calling it essential to address decades of injustices.
Türk described his visit to Damascus as groundbreaking, marking a pivotal moment after years of restricted access due to the Assad regime. He emphasized that those accountable for serious human rights abuses must face justice, declaring, “The extent of the atrocity crimes truly beggars belief.”
During his visit, he identified various documented atrocities such as enforced disappearances and the use of chemical weapons, underscoring the urgent need for thorough investigation. Türk insisted that while seeking justice is vital, it must be administered fairly: “Revenge and vengeance are never the answer.”
Meeting with Syria’s new leader, Ahmad Sharaa, Türk received assurances regarding the commitment to human rights for all Syrians. Sharaa is focused on fostering inclusivity and reassuring diverse sects and minorities of their rights in the rebuilding process.
Despite the overwhelming challenges facing Syria, Türk highlighted the immediate priority of saving lives, given that 90% of the population is living in poverty. He urged the international community to reconsider the existing sectoral sanctions that hinder humanitarian assistance.
Türk’s visit also revealed heartbreaking truths about thousands of detainees freed when rebel forces overtook regime prisons, with many still unaccounted for. At Sednaya prison, he heard harrowing tales of abuse, stating, “I cannot even bear to share his stories of beatings and torture.”
The devastation he witnessed in Jobar, a neighborhood in Damascus, was profound. Türk described it as an “apocalyptic wasteland,” where buildings lay desolate from relentless bombardment, a glaring testament to the brutal tactics of the previous regime.
He cautioned that although the conflicts persist, addressing these “very real threats” must take precedence as the call for peace remains urgent in war-torn Syria.
U.N. rights chief Volker Türk reports horrifying atrocities in Syria, stressing transitional justice is essential after Assad’s regime. He sees the need for accountability, the importance of prioritizing human rights, and urges the international community to lift sanctions hindering aid. His visit reveals the urgent need for action in the wake of decades-long human rights violations.
The U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights urges comprehensive action against the atrocities in Syria, emphasizing transitional justice, accountability, and the necessity to prioritize human rights. The call for international community involvement reflects a critical step toward healing and rebuilding a war-torn society. The echoes of past injustices must fuel the pursuit of hope and humane governance in post-Assad Syria.
Following a protracted civil war in Syria, which has seen immense human suffering and violations of international law, the U.N. emphasizes the need for long-term strategies to address past atrocities. Transitional justice is essential for rebuilding societal trust and ensuring respect for human rights amid ongoing recovery efforts.
Original Source: www.upi.com
