Syria's sovereignty must be restored, civilians must be spared: UN human rights chief

By Peter Kenny

GENEVA (AA) - UN human rights chief Volker Turk said that whoever engages in any military activity in the Golan Heights, civilians must be spared, and that Syria’s sovereignty must be restored.

Turk was responding to a question by Anadolu after Israel’s occupation of Syria’s Golan Heights drew renewed scrutiny as tensions in the region escalated, following the fall of the Assad regime in Syria.

“It is key that before there is any escalation again in the Golan Heights there are political negotiations to find a way to meet the various security concerns that have been raised in this regard,” said Turk at a press conference.

Turk noted that the matter would need to be dealt with by Geir Pedersen, the UN Special Envoy for Syria.

“It is very important to whoever engages in any military activity that civilians are spared, and that, indeed, we go back to the negotiating table," said Turk.

"But it's, it's something that clearly has to be dealt with because we need the restoration of Syria's sovereignty.”

Israel, which has occupied the Golan Heights since 1967, has expanded its presence in the area following recent developments in Syria.

The Golan Heights, a region of strategic importance and abundant water resources, has long been a contentious issue.

- Disregard for international law

Turk said: “The disregard for international law and apparent indifference to civilian lives and infrastructure have been starkly in focus in the conflict in Israel, the Occupied Palestinian Territory, and Lebanon, as well as in Ukraine, Sudan, and Myanmar, to name a few very stark examples.”

He said that in Syria on Sunday, the world witnessed a “regime driven from power" following "decades of brutal repression," and after nearly 14 years of relentless conflict.

Turk also said hundreds of thousands of lives were lost during this time, more than 100,000 people disappeared, and some 14 million were driven from their homes, often in the most atrocious circumstances.

“I’ve met many of them over the years, witnessed their despair and trauma as they bore testimony to the most serious human rights violations committed against them, including torture and the use of chemical weapons,” Turk noted.

- Hope for future

“Yesterday, Syrians took to the streets with much hope and much anxiety for the future. Hope that this would be an opportunity for the country to build a future grounded in human rights, freedom, and justice. And anxiety, because so much is uncertain.”

The UN rights chief said that any political transition must ensure accountability for perpetrators of serious violations, and guarantee that those responsible are held to account.

“It is imperative that all evidence be collected and preserved meticulously for future use. Reform of the security apparatus will be key. This transition must also ensure that the tragedy of missing people is addressed.”

Turk noted that hostilities are reportedly ongoing in some parts of Syria, including in the northeast.

“It is imperative that all parties abide by their obligations under international humanitarian law and human rights law,” said the rights chief.

He stated that all measures must be taken to ensure the protection of all minorities and to avert reprisals and acts of revenge.

“The only way forward is a nationally owned political process that brings an end to the litany of suffering, fulfills the aspirations of all Syrians, and ensures truth, justice, reparation, healing, and reconciliation,” said Turk.

He said it is essential that the human rights of all Syrians are at the core of such a process, through meaningful and inclusive participation, including notably of women and young people.

"Syria’s sovereignty, unity, independence, and territorial integrity must be restored,” reiterated Turk.