A recent report released by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) on the unintended impacts of unilateral coercive measures against Syria revealed that these sanctions disrupt the provision of basic social services and humanitarian aid. This directly limits access to medical supplies, water, and the importation of educational materials and equipment, among other services.
According to the UN Media Center, the report highlights how these sanctions affect various aspects of life in Syria. The lack of availability of certain goods directly impacts essential services and the availability and cost of inputs necessary for people’s livelihoods. Locally manufactured pharmaceutical products, previously produced under licenses from foreign companies, have been discontinued due to the sanctions. There are also greater barriers to importing machinery and agricultural inputs.
The report calls for efforts to reduce excessive compliance and the associated impacts of these measures. It emphasizes the importance of ongoing dialogue with relevant stakeholders, including humanitarian organizations, to address the unintended consequences of the sanctions and facilitate transactions and activities related to recovery. This would build resilience and enhance effective stabilization efforts, thus promoting sustainable livelihoods. The report also recommends establishing monitoring mechanisms to assess the effectiveness of the sanctions and propose improvements.
Furthermore, the report urges the provision of clear guidelines and information about permissible trade and smooth humanitarian operations. It also highlights the importance of ensuring access to assistance or legal services to deal with multiple sanction regimes.
