UN Rights Chief Advocates Transitional Justice and Sanctions Relief in Post-Assad Syria

Volker Türk emphasizes reconciliation, accountability, and rebuilding efforts during his historic visit to Damascus.

• UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk called for a Syrian-led reconciliation and transitional justice process to address decades of atrocities under Assad's regime.
• Türk highlighted the importance of accountability for war crimes, including torture, enforced disappearances, and the use of chemical weapons during the 13-year civil war.
• He urged the international community to reconsider and lift sectoral sanctions, citing their negative impact on the Syrian population as the country begins rebuilding efforts.
• Türk met with Syria's interim leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, who pledged respect for human rights, institutional reform, and social cohesion under the new administration.
• Families of missing persons and victims of the conflict are pressing for the preservation of evidence and prioritization of investigations into crimes committed under Assad's rule.

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