The Security Council-banned terrorist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and other armed groups have also established their dominance in the capital, Damascus, after taking control of several Syrian cities in recent days. Hundreds of Syrians took to the streets to celebrate news of President Bashar al-Assad’s departure.
The human rights chief said Syrian citizens have hope and uncertainty for the future. “Hopefully this will be an opportunity to build the future of our country based on human rights, freedom and justice and concern, because so much is still uncertain.”
In the ongoing civil war in Syria for almost a decade and a half, millions of people have lost their lives, millions have been injured, and more than one lakh people have gone missing.
Accountability needs to be ensured
14 million Syrian citizens were forced to flee their homes under extremely difficult conditions, with a large number seeking refuge in other countries.
The human rights chief said that over the past few years, he has met many of these displaced people and felt their frustration and trauma. Many of them have either suffered or witnessed serious human rights violations, including torture and chemical weapons attacks.
According to the UN High Commissioner, any political transition process must hold those guilty of serious human rights violations accountable. At the same time, it should be ensured that court action will be taken against those who commit these crimes.
“It is imperative that all evidence is collected and carefully preserved for future use. “Improving security measures will be important.”
Volker Turk noted that the interim process must focus on the tragedy of the missing.
The conflict is still going on in some parts of Syria, including the northeastern part of the country. In view of this, he called on all parties to fulfill their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law.
Protection of human rights
The human rights chief said protection of all minorities must be ensured and retaliatory actions avoided at all costs.
“The only way forward is a state-owned political process that ends all suffering, realizes the aspirations of all Syrians, and promotes truth, justice, reparations, healing and reconciliation.”
The High Commissioner for Human Rights said the protection of the human rights of all Syrian citizens must be at the core of the process and ensure their participation, including women and youth.
“Syria’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity must be restored. “My office stands ready to support this transition process.”
Earlier, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in his statement issued on Sunday that after 14 years of brutal war in Syria and the fall of a long dictatorial regime, ordinary citizens have a chance to move towards a stability. and a peaceful future.
He reiterated his call to protect the rights of all Syrian citizens without discrimination at this sensitive moment.