U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein made a statement regarding the massacre committed by Turkish state forces in Cizre district of Şırnak.

Hussein said reports have been delivered to the United Nations of the massacres committed in Cizre and other Kurdish towns, and called upon the Turkish government to allow an UN examination in the region.

"Most disturbing of all are the reports quoting witnesses and relatives in Cizre, which suggest that more than 100 people were burned to death as they sheltered in three different basements that had been surrounded by security forces," Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein said.

Describing the emerging picture as “extremely alarming”, the United Nations' top human rights official acknowledged that Turkey has the duty to carry out operations against the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), but pointing out that international law bans the use of excessive force in counter-terrorism operations.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said information emerging from “a variety of credible sources” proves that the Turkish military and security forces have committed acts that violate human rights at an "alarming" level.

"Civilians, including women and children, were allegedly shot from military vehicles, tortured and detained, while medical personnel were prevented from doing their work, according to these reports."

Hussein also reported that health personnel were obstructed from doing their duty in the treatment of those wounded during the conflict.

Zeid also criticized Ankara’s abstention from launching a probe into the case and other incidents, adding that a request by his office to access the areas affected was rejected.

Remarking that “This blackout simply fuels suspicions about what has been going on”, Zeid demanded access for UN staff, civil society groups and journalists.