The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has made a landmark visit to Damascus, engaging in discussions with Ahmad Al-Sharaa, the head of Syria’s caretaker authorities. During the meeting, Mr. Türk emphasized the importance of respecting human rights for all Syrians and the diverse segments of the country’s population. According to Mr. Türk, Al-Sharaa highlighted priorities such as fostering healing, trust-building, social cohesion, and institutional reform.
Immense Challenges
Despite the encouraging discussions, Mr. Türk acknowledged the staggering challenges facing Syria. He described the devastating toll from years of conflict, including the loss of hundreds of thousands of lives and widespread destruction. “Nine out of ten Syrians live in poverty, the health system is on the brink of collapse, and many schools remain closed,” he said. Millions of Syrians remain displaced within and beyond the country’s borders.
Mr. Türk underscored the urgent need to address basic human rights, including access to food, healthcare, education, and housing. He called for a collective and concerted effort to guarantee these fundamental rights. Additionally, he urged for “an urgent reconsideration” of the sanctions imposed on Syria, highlighting the severe impact these measures have had on the lives of ordinary citizens.
Harrowing Testimonies and Prisoner Abuse
During his visit – the first by any UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to Syria – Mr. Türk heard deeply disturbing accounts of torture from survivors. Some had been incarcerated at Sednaya prison, notorious for its human rights abuses. His office has documented systematic violations at the prison for years. Survivors recounted enduring mornings filled with terror, retreating to the back of their cells in fear of being taken for further torture or execution.
Mr. Türk also visited the war-torn neighborhood of Jobar in Damascus. He described an “apocalyptic wasteland” where every building had been obliterated by successive waves of attacks. He deemed it “inconceivable” that such mass killings and destruction had occurred on such a scale. Equally shocking, he said, was the use of banned chemical weapons against civilians, referencing incidents such as the Syrian air force’s chlorine gas attack on residential buildings in Douma on April 7, 2018.
The High Commissioner condemned these egregious acts carried out by the previous regime, which constitute grave breaches of international humanitarian law.
Rebuilding Syria and Protecting Sovereignty
Looking ahead, Mr. Türk stressed the need for global solidarity in rebuilding Syria, ensuring it becomes a nation that serves all its people. “Syrians need every ounce of help to rebuild a country that works for all,” he stated. The UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR), which has been monitoring the situation in Syria since 2013, remains committed to supporting inclusive, Syrian-led processes for recovery and reconciliation.
Mr. Türk also pointed to the “very real threats” to Syria’s territorial integrity and independence, emphasizing the need to safeguard the country’s sovereignty. He called for an immediate end to hostilities and conflicts, describing this moment as pivotal after decades of repression.
Expressing his hopes for Syria’s future, Mr. Türk said, “My most fervent hope is for all Syrians to thrive together, regardless of gender, religion, or ethnicity, and to build a common future.”
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