Real challenge before Türk

United Nations Human Rights High Commissioner Volker Türk is here on an official visit, with a packed agenda.

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He is however needed most in Gaza, which has become a human rights blackhole, with civilians perishing in Israeli attacks almost daily. Opinion is divided on the purpose of his Sri Lanka visit.

It is hoped that Türk, unlike his predecessors, will remain open-minded, listen to views from all sides, consider all perspectives and rationally assess facts, without leaping to preordained conclusions. He will have to separate facts from propagandistic claims, and make evidence-based observations and conclusions rather than assumptions derived from hearsay and unsubstantiated allegations made by influential lobby groups, and politicians dependent on them.