Sultan Ibrahim
Nearly 3 months after the fall of the Assad regime, Syria continues to face significant challenges, particularly in its economic and living conditions. The ongoing economic sanctions, imposed on the country since the former regime, have led to the disruption of investments, and the financial system as well as the collapse of the local currency, among other issues.
European Suspension of Sanctions
During its meeting in Brussels on February 24, the European Union announced another temporary suspension of some sanctions on Syria, specifically the banking, transport and energy sectors. This move aims to alleviate the country’s crisis and support economic recovery and reconstruction. However, a European official emphasized that the suspension is conditional and could be reversed depending on Syria’s political process.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Filippo Grandi, stated after meeting with the President of Syria’s interim government, Ahmed Al-Shara, in mid-January, that lifting sanctions is crucial for the return of Syrian refugees. “For their return to be permanent, investments in security, jobs, housing and services are required. The lifting of sanctions is crucial for achieving these,” he said.
Mohamed Kazim Hindoway, Director of the Arab-European Organization for Human Rights and a resident of Germany, believes that the greatest obstacles to the return of Syrian refugees are the destruction of cities and the absence of viable solutions in the near future.
Hindwai told +963 that during one meeting, a German professor remarked that even if the necessary funds were available, Syria’s reconstruction would take 20 years. He argued that the conditions for refugees to return would not even be feasible for at least another decade and stressed that reconstruction requires the solidarity of the Syrian people.
Lack of Conditions for a Safe Return
Syrian writer and politician Mufaq Nirbi, based in Berlin, agrees with Hindwai on the lack of conditions for refugees’ return. In statements to +963, he noted that while the fall of the Assad regime has occurred, the other essential conditions for refugees’ return remain unfulfilled.
“Displaced persons and refugees need assurance of security, livelihood, freedom and basic human rights. Without these guarantees, returning becomes another problem. However, this situation differs for displaced persons, who often endure worse conditions than refugees,” Nirbi stated.
Mufaq Niribi argued that policies in asylum countries are using the refugee crisis as leverage to push for the lifting of the sanctions on Syria, often driven by electoral considerations. According to him, these countries could play a role by lifting sanctions that harm civilians, supporting a political transition aligned with international law, and assisting in Syria’s reconstruction. Nevertheless, he stressed that reconstruction must be preceded by at least minimal political, legal, and economic reforms.
“The lifting of sanctions should not come at the expense of justice and stability. Reconstruction must be tied to a political transition that aligns with international law ensuring that Syria moves toward lasting peace and development,” Nirbi concluded.
