UN Commissioner Türk: Palestinians' Suffering Goes Unseen in European Debates

United Nations (UN) High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk emphasized that the suffering of Palestinians is not adequately acknowledged in European discussions. Türk met with parliamentarians at a joint meeting of the European Parliament's Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Subcommittee on Human Rights. Danish Member of Parliament Villy Sovndal mentioned that he visited the West Bank and Jerusalem in December 2025 and witnessed the situation firsthand. Sovndal observed the expansion of illegal settlements, violence by settlers, and the killing of innocent people, as well as the demolition of homes.

The suffering of Palestinians is sometimes not seen in European debates. There is a process of dehumanization accompanying it.

Commissioner Türk described the events of October 7 as 'appalling' and stressed the importance of acknowledging the suffering of all parties. He underlined that international law is the best guarantee to avoid double standards.