HRW calls on U.S., EU, UK to lift sanctions on Syria
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – Human Rights Watch (HRW) called on Tuesday for the United States, the European Union, and the United Kingdom to lift sweeping sanctions that obstruct Syria’s reconstruction efforts.
The organization stated that the sanctions, originally imposed on the previous Syrian regime and still in effect despite its fall, “lack clear, measurable conditions for removal. They are hindering reconstruction efforts and exacerbating the suffering of millions of Syrians struggling to access critical rights, including to electricity and an adequate standard of living.”
On Feb. 15, U.N. envoy to Syria Geir Pedersen also urged the lifting of sanctions to help revive the country’s economy.
Hiba Zayadin, a senior researcher on Syria at HRW, emphasized the urgency of reconstruction, stating, “Syria is in desperate need of reconstruction and Syrians are struggling to survive.”
“With the collapse of the former government, broad sanctions now stand as a major obstacle to restoring essential services such as health care, water, electricity, and education.”
HRW noted that these restrictions have contributed to severe fuel shortages, infrastructure collapse, and difficulties in aid delivery, despite humanitarian exemptions, particularly in the aftermath of the February 2023 earthquake.
The organization argued that humanitarian exceptions are inadequate, as sanctions on Syria’s banking sector hinder critical investments and deepen the economic crisis.
It also pointed out that broad sanctions on energy and trade have further weakened infrastructure and disrupted food and healthcare supply chains.
The United States maintains strict sanctions that prohibit most forms of trade and financial transactions with Syria, with only limited allowances for humanitarian aid.