Human Rights Watch refers war crimes committed by Turkey to United Nations

NEW YORK — The 80th Session of the United Nations Committee against Torture and Inhuman Treatment commenced on 8 July and will continue through 26 July.

The sessions will also address the crimes committed by the Turkish state in the areas it controls in Syria, with representatives of non-governmental organizations reporting to the United Nations.

A report by Human Rights Watch highlights the mistreatment in Turkish prisons and war crimes in the regions of northern Syria occupied by the Turkish state and its proxies in the Syrian National Army (SNA).

Human Rights Watch documented kidnappings, arbitrary arrests, illegal detention, torture, and sexual violence in detention by various factions. The report holds Turkey responsible for ongoing violations, including torture and enforced disappearances, in the Syrian areas under its control. It also notes incidents of torture or shooting by Turkish security forces against Syrians and Afghans arrested while attempting to cross the border into Turkey.