UN chief wants sanctions against Syria removed

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has urged for the immediate and complete lifting of all UN sanctions against Syria during a visit to the capital, Damascus.

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I welcome the steps that have eased sanctions and opened new opportunities for economic recovery, but all these sanctions must be lifted immediately.

"I welcome the steps that have eased sanctions and opened new opportunities for economic recovery, but all these sanctions must be lifted immediately," Guterres stated at a press conference. He emphasized that the UN stands with the Syrian people at this critical juncture and made a strong appeal to the international community to provide maximum support for the Syrian people and government.

The sanctions were initially imposed under the former president Bashar al-Assad's regime as punishment for human rights abuses. Syria's new government, which took power in December 2024 after ousting Assad, seeks the removal of these sanctions to facilitate economic recovery and rebuild the country following over 13 years of war.

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The UN stands with the Syrian people at this critical juncture. And I have come with the strongest possible appeal to the international community to do its utmost to support the Syrian people and the Syrian government.

The World Bank estimates the cost of reconstruction to exceed 1400 billion Danish kroner. While several Western countries have begun easing economic sanctions, investors remain cautious about engaging with Syria. Guterres highlighted that Syria needs investments in its people, economy, and institutions, as well as support for restoring essential public services, rebuilding infrastructure, and reviving livelihoods.

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Syria needs investments in its people, its economy and its institutions. Syria needs support to restore essential public services, rebuild infrastructure and restore livelihoods.

He also stressed the country's need for assistance in ensuring the "safe, voluntary, and dignified return of refugees and internally displaced persons." Guterres's visit marks the first time a UN Secretary-General has visited Syria since Ban Ki-moon in 2009, two years before the conflict began, which has claimed around half a million lives and displaced millions.

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safe, voluntary, and dignified return of refugees and internally displaced persons.