PUTRAJAYA, June 4 — The United Nations (UN) High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, has expressed “significant frustration” over the current situation in Gaza, which he described as “beyond catastrophic”.
Turk said even UN staff have limited access to Gaza, but the international organisation will continue to inform the world about the tragic situation.
He emphasised the importance of historical context, noting that in the wake of the Second World War, there was no system in place to ensure clear norms respecting human rights and the rules of war.
Turk highlighted the necessity of the norms and standards established by the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the 1949 Geneva Conventions on the conduct of war, though these have been brutally violated.
[caption id="attachment_359243" align="alignleft" width="436"]
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk attends the high-level event commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, on December 11, 2023. — Picture by REUTERS[/caption]
"The situation in the West Bank, with 500 people killed since October 7, is another alarming issue that needs to be addressed.
“It shows a harrowing situation in the West Bank. While Rafah is horrendous, we also see a deteriorating situation in the West Bank.
"Human rights are the answer to it," he said during the conclusion of his working visit to Malaysia today.
Turk stressed the need for accountability, the end of impunity, and for the international community to wake up and find solutions.
"Those of us who defend the norms and standards continue to raise our voices, document, and report on it even under very difficult circumstances," he said.
Turk, an Austrian lawyer, has expressed his hope that initiatives to achieve a ceasefire and end the situation would be successful. He was in the country at the invitation of the Malaysian government.
Yesterday, the Foreign Ministry said the visit is part of Malaysia’s continued engagement and collaboration with the UN to raise human rights awareness and strengthen literacy for the enjoyment of human rights by fellow Malaysians.
— Bernama
