UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein announced that they are in possession of data that shows serious human rights violations in Northern Kurdistan. He demanded Turkey open its doors to the UN Human Rights Commissary at once.
The United Nations (UN) 33rd Human Rights Council Sessions started in Geneva, Switzerland. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein criticized Turkey in harsh words in his opening speech. Al Hussein demanded that Turkey allow them entry so the Human Rights Commissary can conduct an inquiry on the rights violations.
“CITIES AND VILLAGES BURNED DOWN”
Al Hussein underlined that they are in possession of data that shows serious human rights violations in Northern Kurdistan and said: “We are receiving reports and data that international law and human rights are constantly violated. Among these are civilian deaths, extrajudicial killings and forced displacement in huge scales. We receive reports that cities and villages are being torn down. The basic needs of thousands of displaced people must be met and protected.”
“A SPECIAL UNIT HAS BEEN FORMED”
Al Hussein expressed that their request for an inquiry in Turkey to investigate the claims was left unanswered and that a special unit had been formed in Geneva to follow up on the situation in Turkey. Al Hussein said Turkey had sent him an invitation individually, but that invitation “couldn’t replace the Human Rights Commissary visiting the South East and conducting an inquiry”.
The sessions will continue until September 30 and will discuss rights violations from different parts of the world. Rapporteurs will read their reports on freedom of press and expression, extrajudicial killings, forced displacement and unlawful detentions during the session and several NGOs will present their reports to the Council.
