The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, is set to travel to Lebanon today, completing the final leg of a landmark visit to the region. Turk arrived in Damascus, Syria, on Tuesday for a brief but significant tour, which will span from Tuesday to Thursday. This marks the first-ever visit by a UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to Syria, a country that has been at the center of a prolonged and devastating civil war, which has led to a grave humanitarian crisis.

Equally noteworthy, this will be Turk’s second visit to Lebanon in his capacity as High Commissioner, following a previous visit to the country in 2002. The visit underscores the growing importance of addressing the region’s human rights challenges, which continue to evolve in the wake of political and social upheaval.

Throughout his stay, Turk is expected to engage with local leaders, civil society organizations, and international partners to discuss pressing human rights issues. These include the ongoing conflict and its impact on civilians in Syria, as well as the complex refugee situation in Lebanon, which continues to strain the country’s resources and infrastructure.

The visit is viewed as an essential step in fostering dialogue and reinforcing the UN’s commitment to supporting human rights in the region, offering an opportunity for both countries to demonstrate their commitment to advancing human dignity amidst continuing regional tensions.

Agencies.