In a groundbreaking visit to Syria, UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk highlighted the remarkable resilience of the Syrian people amidst their overwhelming suffering. “I have been impressed by the bravery, fortitude, and resilience of the Syrian people I have met… it has been indeed a very emotional experience to listen to their plight.” He met victims of horrific conditions, including those imprisoned under the harsh reign of terror in Sednaya prison, where detainees faced inhumane treatment.
Turk emphasized the incomprehensibility of the atrocities, including mass killings and the use of chemical weapons against civilians, stating that such acts are among the most serious violations of international humanitarian law. He reflected on the devastation he witnessed in Jobar, where entire neighborhoods lay in ruins, scarred by war, symbolizing the country’s dire state.
He urged the international community to reconsider sanctions on Syria, stressing that these often exacerbate the suffering of ordinary citizens. Türk called for urgent action to support Syria, warning that 90% of the population lives in poverty while healthcare and education systems lie in tatters. The need for accountability was stressed, as he declared that those responsible for grave crimes must face justice.
Transitioning towards peace, Türk called for a nationally led reconciliation process rather than revenge. He remarked on the critical role of women and girls, identifying that gender inequalities hinder their access to basic needs and rights. A Syria rebuilt on equal dignity for all, irrespective of background, is deemed essential for future stability.
Concluding his address, Türk shared a vision of hope: “My most fervent hope is for all Syrians to be able to thrive together, regardless of gender, religion or ethnicity and to build a common future.” His words echoed a deep aspiration for unity as Syria faces an uncertain yet promising path forward.
UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk visited Syria, commending the resilience of its people amidst ongoing trauma. He spotlighted the dire humanitarian situation and the urgent need for accountability for past atrocities. Türk called for a reconciliation process focused on healing rather than revenge and emphasized women’s rights as essential to rebuilding Syria. His remarks echo a hopeful vision for a unified future.
In summary, Volker Türk’s visit to Syria sheds light on the immense struggles faced by its people, urging accountability for past atrocities while calling for a future built on equality and justice. His emphasis on the need for international community support and the importance of recognizing the suffering caused by sanctions highlights the dire social and humanitarian landscape. There is a strong hope for a unified and peaceful future for all Syrians, regardless of their background.
The article presents a narrative of a visit by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk to Syria during a time of significant challenges. The focus is on the plight of the Syrian people, the brutal legacy of the civil war, and the dire need for accountability, healing, and reconciliation in order to pave a path toward peace. It captures the essence of the humanitarian deterioration while emphasizing the importance of rights and international support in rebuilding as well as accounting for past atrocities.
Original Source: media.un.org
