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UN Rights Chief Volker Turk Makes Historic Visit to Syria
First-Ever Visit to Syria by UN Human Rights Chief
Volker Turk, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, arrived in Damascus on Tuesday for the first visit of a UN rights chief to Syria. Turk, an Austrian lawyer, will be in Syria and Lebanon from January 14 to 16, according to a UN statement. His itinerary includes meetings with government officials, civil society groups, diplomats, and UN bodies.
Focus on Human Rights Amid a Troubled History
The visit comes after more than 13 years of civil war in Syria, a period marked by numerous allegations of human rights violations. Under President Bashar al-Assad’s rule, many UN officials and rights groups faced restricted access to the country, limiting investigations into alleged abuses.
Ongoing Challenges and Hope for Accountability
Although details of Turk’s planned discussions remain undisclosed, the visit raises hopes for increased engagement on human rights issues. The UN Human Rights Office, established in 1993, has previously faced obstacles in addressing allegations of violations in Syria. A spokesperson for Türk’s office did not clarify how often access to Syria had been denied to previous commissioners.