UN human rights chief Volker Türk condemns protest violence in five European countries and cites reports of excessive force

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, condemned violence linked to protests in Albania, Belgium, France, Italy and Portugal. In a statement, he also said he was concerned by reports of unnecessary and excessive force against protesters, including children. The account below comes from UN News reports in French and Arabic on that statement. The statement itself was not among the items supplied.

Mr. Türk said people have the right to protest peacefully and make their voices heard, and that states must make it possible to exercise those rights. He called on all sides to lower tensions and prevent further violence. He said inclusive and safe dialogue was the best way forward.

The High Commissioner also criticised people who use protests to commit violence and vandalism against public and private property. He said they must be held responsible for their actions. In the same statement, he said any response by law enforcement must stay lawful, necessary and proportionate. He asked for prompt, effective and independent investigations into allegations of unlawful use of force. He said investigations should lead to accountability and to effective remedies for victims.

The High Commissioner said he had taken note of steps some authorities have already taken to investigate incidents and ease tensions. He urged states to hold meaningful, inclusive and constructive dialogue with protesters, especially young people. He also asked them to take concrete steps on the concerns he named: education, public services, housing, the rising cost of living and inequality.

UN News gave this background on the protests. In France, the movement began in September over a lack of resources in education and widened to cover rising prices and cuts to public services. UN News said demonstrations turned violent in several cities, including Paris and Marseille, with shops looted and buildings damaged. It reported, citing the press, that more than 2 400 people were arrested. It said French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the violence and called for calm.

In Belgium, UN News said school students who first protested over education joined a broader protest against the federal government's austerity measures. Citing the press, it reported nearly 200 arrests in Brussels and Liège, including more than 25 minors. It reported barricades, burnt vehicles and broken shop windows.

UN News said protests over the cost of living in Italy, notably in Milan, also turned into clashes. In Albania, where protests target the government of Edi Rama, it said students denounce corruption, conditions in education and a lack of economic prospects. In Tirana, it said, protesters threw stones and fireworks at public buildings, and police responded with tear gas and water cannon.

In Portugal, UN News said police dismantled two camps in Lisbon and Porto set up to protest rising rents. It reported that at least 55 activists were arrested. It said the authorities describe the operation as lawful and proportionate, while organisers call it brutal.

The items do not say which specific police actions Mr. Türk's concern about excessive force refers to. They give no figures for injuries and do not say whether any government has responded to his statement. The arrest figures for France and Belgium are attributed by UN News to the press, not to the High Commissioner or to the governments concerned.