Press conference of UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk in Damascus
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said in a statement during a press conference in Damascus following his meeting with Leader of the New Syrian Administration Ahmad Al-Sharaa that his visit to Syria was a historic one.
“I am very impressed by the courage, determination and resolve of the Syrians despite the pain and ordeal they have experienced,” Türk said.
He added that the UN office in Damascus was working to monitor all human rights violations and during my visit I heard many testimonies from victims.
“There are thousands who were imprisoned in detention centers and placed in freezing cells and thousands more have died in prison”, he explained
Türk went on to say that there is a lot of work to be done, and the Syrian people should get all the support.
He added the UN office will support a political process that includes all Syrians.
He also said “I met with Leader Ahmed Al-Sharaa and we discussed the challenges in Syria and the building of a free country for all Syrians to live in dignity.
Turk said that it is necessary to rehabilitate the education, health and housing systems.
He stressed “we should keep in mind the impact of sanctions on the Syrian people. We must work to lift the sanctions imposed on the Syrian people”.
He affirmed the need to prosecute perpetrators of crimes against human rights, pointing out that justice must be achieved without any discrimination.
Turk indicated that there is a newly formed institution that will be concerned with the missing in Syria.
The UN High Commissioner stressed the necessity of the process of transferring power in a way that achieves justice because it enhances human rights.
He emphasized that there must be a process that heals wounds and enhances trust, stressing that Syria must achieve dignity for all without discrimination and move towards stability.
“We look forward to supporting the Syrians and human rights on the country”, he said, notong that Syria is experiencing a promising moment after decades of oppression and injustice.