Sanctions relief 'holds major potential' for Syria's recovery: UN envoy

HAMILTON, Canada

The UN special envoy for Syria on Wednesday welcomed a wave of international moves to lift sanctions on Syria as "historic developments" with the potential to revitalize that country's economy and political transition.

"I am briefing you from Damascus, where the atmosphere is ripe with cautious optimism and a yearning for renewal following far-reaching international moves on Syria," Geir Pedersen told the Security Council.

Citing the latest announcement by the US, EU, and UK on steps to end or revoke the sanctions, Pedersen said: "I have long called for bold steps on sanctions, as have millions of Syrians in and outside the country, and I warmly welcome these international steps."

Hailing the regional support, particularly from Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Qatar, he said "this includes not only initiatives on sanctions relief, but also to resolve Syria's outstanding obligations to international financial institutions, support in the payment of public sector salaries and ensuring the provision of critical energy resources."

"These are historic developments" that "hold major potential to improve living conditions across the country and to support the Syrian political transition," he said.

Pedersen highlighted recent actions by Syria's interim authorities, including the creation of two new bodies: the National Commission for Transitional Justice and the National Commission for Missing Persons.

"The creation of a dedicated commission for missing persons attests to the centrality of this issue in the Syrian national experience," he said. "The creation of the transitional justice commission is another essential stepping-stone in Syria’s recovery from conflict and restoration of Syrians’ right to truth, justice and reparation."

Pedersen voiced concern about continued Israeli airstrikes against Syria, saying the “attacks are unacceptable and must cease. Syria's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity must be respected."

While acknowledging the enormous challenges still facing Syria, he stressed that recent decisions "give (Syrians) a better chance than before to succeed against great odds."

Meanwhile, Director of Coordination at the UN's Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Ramesh Rajasingham emphasized the "immense" humanitarian needs in Syria.

"Nearly 3 million people face severe food insecurity," he said, arguing that "damaged homes, lack of adequate services, and the threat of unexploded ordnance" are preventing Syrians from returning.

Despite the challenges, Rajasingham said "humanitarian operations continue, and progress is being made."

But he highlighted "the alarming funding situation," and stressed that "as of today, only 10%" of a $2 billion UN appeal for Syria has been funded.

"The consequences are already visible and will become more so as time passes and as funding cuts take hold," he said.

Underscoring that funding cuts do not make humanitarian needs disappear, Rajasingham said that it only causes the needs to intensify.

"The absence of support now risks reversing the small gains made over the past months," he added.

He also welcomed the lifting of sanctions. "The Syrian people have shown resilience, but they cannot endure this crisis alone -- we must act with urgency," he said.