Geneva: The UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk on Friday raised concerns regarding reports of civilian casualties resulting from Israeli occupation airstrikes on Suweida, Daraa, and in the center of Damascus. He emphasized the potential risks these attacks pose to civilians and civilian infrastructure, urging for an immediate cessation of hostilities.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Turk issued a statement from Geneva calling on Syria's interim authorities to conduct impartial and thorough investigations into the recent violence in Suweida and to ensure accountability and justice. He highlighted that such measures would support the ongoing transitional justice process aimed at addressing past violations and abuses. Turk also urged the interim authorities to release the findings of the national fact-finding committee's investigations into earlier violence in coastal areas.
In his statement, Turk reflected on the fall of the former government, noting that Syrians now have a moment of hope for a future grounded in human rights. He stressed the responsibility of the interim authorities to ensure this future is defined by rights, justice, and equal protection for all citizens. To advance Syria's transition, Turk called for an urgent and independent vetting process to prevent individuals responsible for human rights violations from being integrated into official security or military structures.
Turk reiterated that the ongoing bloodshed and violence must cease, prioritizing the protection of all people in accordance with international human rights law. He underscored the importance of immediate actions to prevent the recurrence of such violence, advocating for a peaceful and just resolution to the conflict.