US President Donald Trump has announced the removal of longstanding sanctions on Syria, a move seen as a critical step toward improving access to fundamental economic rights and aiding in the country’s reconstruction. Human Rights Watch emphasized that this announcement should be followed by concrete measures to remove financial and other sanctions that hinder access to essential services like electricity.
Despite the ouster of Bashar al-Assad’s government in December 2024, broad sanctions have continued to obstruct reconstruction efforts and exacerbate hardships for millions of Syrians. The European Union and the United Kingdom have begun easing sanctions, but Human Rights Watch urges further action, including lifting financial sanctions on Syria’s Central Bank.
“Syria’s economic collapse – due, in part, to US sanctions – has pushed millions into poverty. Now there’s a glimmer of hope,” said Sarah Yager, Washington director at Human Rights Watch. “President Trump’s recent statements offer Syrians a sense that rebuilding and recovery might be possible, but only if he backs these words with quick, concrete, meaningful actions.”
Years of conflict have devastated Syria’s infrastructure, leaving towns uninhabitable and public services barely functioning. Over 90 percent of Syrians live below the poverty line, with millions lacking access to adequate food. An estimated 16.5 million Syrians require humanitarian aid to meet basic needs. Broad sanctions from the US and other nations have hindered aid delivery despite exemptions for humanitarian assistance.
The US has enforced severe measures prohibiting nearly all trade and financial transactions with Syria. To ensure meaningful improvements in Syrians’ wellbeing and economic rights through sanctions relief, Human Rights Watch suggests:
– Restoring Syria’s access to global financial systems by removing sanctions on its Central Bank.
– Ending trade restrictions on essential goods.
– Removing energy sanctions to secure fuel and electricity access.
Sanctions should be lifted without conditions tied to unrelated foreign policy goals or vague demands. Any remaining conditions should align with international legal obligations related to human rights and humanitarian access.
