Human Rights Watch warns that extensive sanctions on Syria by several nations are obstructing essential service restoration and humanitarian access. Despite their initial intent, these sanctions worsen the humanitarian crisis by hindering reconstruction efforts and negatively impacting the lives of millions. Immediate action is needed to lift these sanctions for the welfare of Syrian civilians.
Human Rights Watch has reported that extensive sanctions from the US, EU, UK, and others are obstructing the restoration of vital services in Syria. These sanctions, initially targeting the former government, persist even after its downfall and lack defined criteria for their removal. The consequences are severe, hindering reconstruction and worsening the plight of millions of Syrians who struggle to obtain fundamental needs like electricity and an adequate standard of living.
The organization emphasizes that sanctioning parties should prioritize the welfare of Syrian civilians by lifting measures that restrict access to basic rights. Key recommendations include restoring Syria’s access to global financial systems, abolishing trade restrictions on essential goods, addressing energy sanctions to provide fuel and electricity, and offering legal assurances to financial institutions and businesses to alleviate compliance concerns.
According to Human Rights Watch, the broad sectoral sanctions have intensified Syria’s economic crisis, leading to rampant inflation and shortages of essential goods. These sanctions have generated complex barriers to financial and trade transactions that humanitarian exemptions fail to adequately address. As a result, aid organizations, financial entities, and businesses face increasing operational challenges in Syria.
Lastly, Human Rights Watch reiterated its stance against sanctions that disproportionately affect human rights or induce unnecessary suffering. The organization advocates for a framework where sanctions effectively deter and rectify human rights violations, ensuring that the humanitarian needs of the Syrian people are met without undue hardship.
In conclusion, Human Rights Watch underscores the detrimental effects of international sanctions on Syria, calling for urgent reforms to facilitate humanitarian access and recovery efforts. The report highlights the need for a reevaluation of the sanctions regime that currently exacerbates the challenges faced by civilians while failing to achieve its intended goals of improving human rights.
Original Source: www.sana.sy
