Lifting Sanctions on Syria opens new opportunities for humanitarian cooperation and reconstruction – Syrian Arab News Agency

Damascus, SANA- Edem Wosornu, Director of Operations and Advocacy Division at the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), has emphasized that lifting sanctions on Syria has provided renewed hope for Syrians, particularly those returning to their homes.

She stated that this move opens new doors for humanitarian cooperation and reconstruction, stressing the importance of working in partnership with the Syrian government, as well as local and international organizations.

In an exclusive interview with SANA, Wosornu highlighted the ongoing collaboration between UN agencies and the Syrian government, including the World Health Organization (WHO) with the Ministry of Health, the World Food Programme (WFP) with the Ministry of Agriculture, and UNICEF with the Ministry of Education. She explained that international support should focus on strengthening essential services, creating job opportunities, fostering social reconciliation, and promoting social cohesion.

During her visit to Syria, Wosornu met with Syrian and UN officials and toured several governorates, including Homs, Lattakia, and Aleppo, to better understand the needs of the Syrian people amid the country’s recent changes—especially as families return to their homes and seek to restore their livelihoods.

Syrians Want Tools, Not Just Aid

The UN official underlined the importance of listening to Syrians at every stage of support, noting that they seek more than just humanitarian aid—they need tools to rebuild their lives. She reiterated that the UN’s role is to assist the Syrian people without engaging in political matters, standing by them during this critical period.

Wosornu expressed her commitment to conveying the voices and experiences of Syrians to the international community during her upcoming visits to Lebanon, Turkey, Geneva, and New York.

She pointed out that displaced citizens returning home have voiced their need for stability and access to basic services such as water, sanitation, and healthcare. Additionally, they have expressed a strong desire for employment and self-reliance, reflecting the resilience of the Syrian people.

The UN remains committed to its principles of independence, neutrality, impartiality, and humanity, Wosornu said. She noted that during her visit, she met Syrian women who demonstrated remarkable resilience and was determined to share their voices with the international community.

Reconciliation and social cohesion were among the key demands of the citizens she met, Wosornu added, emphasizing that specialized UN bodies will support efforts to achieve these goals. She praised the heroic work of Syrian Red Crescent volunteers, local women’s organizations, and Syrian doctors who have returned from countries like Germany and Turkey to work in hospitals such as Al-Razi in Aleppo, seeking only technical support and capacity-building.

Wosornu noted that many people expressed joy over the lifting of sanctions, especially since previous restrictions had blocked medical equipment imports, including MRI scanners. She stated that the removal of sanctions presents an opportunity to enhance humanitarian support and rehabilitate infrastructure and services, particularly as the number of returning refugees and displaced persons increases.

Decline in International Funding and Hope for Greater Support

Regarding international assistance, Wosornu pointed out that funding for Syria’s Humanitarian Response Plan has dropped from 70% in 2019 to 36% in 2024, currently standing at only 10.3%.

She expressed hope that lifting sanctions would attract more support from UN member states and international financial institutions. She also urged for increased direct funding to local NGOs through pooled financing mechanisms, bypassing the bureaucratic processes of international organizations.

Wosornu underscored the need to redefine humanitarian work by focusing on supporting local partners, including authorities, grassroots organizations, and women’s groups.

Manar /Ruaa al-Jazaeri

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