UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk condemns the violence during the protests and calls on European states to reduce tensions

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk on Tuesday condemned all acts of violence committed during demonstrations held in recent days in Albania, Belgium, France, Italy and Portugal. He called on all parties involved to reduce tensions and prevent further incidents.

In a statement, Türk stressed that people have the right to protest peacefully and make their voices heard, while authorities must facilitate the exercise of this right. The UN official condemned both vandalism and violence directed against public and private property, as well as the alleged unnecessary and excessive use of force by law enforcement, including against minors.

Volker Türk called for people who commit acts of violence to be held individually accountable. At the same time, he said that any police intervention must be lawful, necessary and proportionate.

The High Commissioner called for prompt, effective and independent investigations into allegations of unlawful use of force. He also urged governments to engage in dialogue with protesters, particularly young people, and adopt concrete measures to address their legitimate concerns.