Human Rights Watch Calls to Lift Sanctions on Syria

Human Rights Watch has called for the lifting of sweeping sanctions imposed on Syria by the United States and its allies, which are hindering the restoration of essential services and exacerbating the suffering of millions of Syrians. Despite the collapse of Bashar al-Assad's government, these sanctions remain in place without clear conditions for their removal, obstructing reconstruction efforts and affecting access to basic rights like electricity and healthcare. Over 90% of Syrians live below the poverty line, with millions lacking sufficient food and 16.5 million requiring humanitarian assistance. The organization emphasizes that broad sectoral sanctions have worsened Syria's economic crisis, causing inflation and depleting essential goods. It urges sanctioning entities to prioritize the well-being of civilians by facilitating access to global financial systems and essential goods. The report highlights the urgent need for reconstruction, estimating that Syria requires over $250 billion to rebuild its infrastructure and services.