Unbinding the Chains: The Fight Against Economic Sanctions on Syria

It has only been a few days since the devastating earthquake struck regions of northern Syria and southern Turkey, leaving a trail of destruction and chaos in its wake. Entire buildings, some already weakened by missile strikes, crumbled to the ground. Homes, schools, and medical facilities were also severely impacted, leaving many families without shelter or basic necessities. As pictures and videos showing this misery spread across the media, many people raised their voices in compassion, “Where should we donate?”, “What are the trusted organizations that are truly helping affected people?”. One crucial question, however, remains unasked: How will the donations even reach the country when Syria has been the target of suffocating sanctions for over twelve years?

After the earthquake hit Syria, emergency responders immediately began to search for survivors and provide aid to those injured, but the widespread damage to buildings and infrastructure brought additional challenges. After years of conflict, it is hardly surprising that Syria was unprepared to support all those affected by this extensive tragedy. While some countries have provided assistance, reports have indicated that relief efforts in Syria are severely hampered by the sanctions instated on the Syrian government.

During the past ten years, harsh U.S. economic sanctions that appeared to be directed solely against the Syrian regime have had a terrible impact on civilians. Following the catastrophic natural disaster, these effects were very clear to the international community. Raw materials for heating, food, construction, medicine, and transportation are on backorder and have been missing for months on end. These shortages have become even more pronounced following the devastating earthquake. Therewithal, enduring inflation and consistent devaluation of the currency, which recently fell to approximately 60% of its value last year, is detrimental to the already difficult circumstances of Syrian civilians. Despite many successful fundraising efforts, Syria’s greatest need is that of immediate paramedic help and ‘hands-on’ aid, one for which monetary donations cannot be promptly exchanged due to the shortages. This complete economic stagnation of the populace doesn't seem like an appropriate response to the American stance in Syria. Human rights must never be equated with partisan politics or governmental relations.

The most recent wave of sanctions on Syria came in 2019 under the “Caeser Syria Civilian Protection Act.” Unlike those previously imposed, the Caeser Act included third-country actors under its jurisdiction, meaning that those sanctions are not only solely linked to U.S.-Syria relations, but to that of any country that ever chooses to have relations with Syria. In 2020, Alena Douhan, United Nations Special Rapporteur, stated, “The Caeser Act runs roughshod over human rights, including the Syrian people’s rights to housing, health, and an adequate standard of living and development.” While civilians already face severe hardship and suffering as they attempt to rebuild their lives and communities, economic sanctions extinguish any hope for sustainable growth. In fact, in combination with the recent earthquake, these sanctions have led to yet another humanitarian crisis in Syria. Ironically, the least industrialized countries were the most willing to send humanitarian aid to Syria. Countries like Egypt, Lebanon, and Algeria have extended a helping hand, while western nations cling to their long-standing political agendas, failing to put humanitarian obligations first.

A dozen years have passed with these policies in tow; hoping for their removal overnight is irrational.

Since the imposition of these sanctions, the U.S. administration has stopped considering and has even stigmatised the debate over sanctions against Syria to the point where it is now a source of utmost controversy and debate. These policies, which were once created “to protect Syrian civilians” have undoubtedly resulted in more misery and poverty than the nation has ever known. Since their implementation, the average Syrian earns less than one dollar a day and lacks basic human needs, including electricity, water, food, diesel, and medicine. 

How can we change the political conversation? should be the real question we ask. How do we begin to motivate government representatives to ignore the stigmas and broach the subject of Syria in the first place?

Influencing the U.S. government to soften sanctions on Syria would likely require a multi-faceted approach. Public advocacy seems like the most attainable first step; civil society groups and social influencers have a crucial role in raising awareness about the negative impacts of sanctions on the Syrian people. Advocacy could involve organizing demonstrations, writing letters to the U.S. government, and using social media to spread the message.

Legal debates can also be utilized as organizations and individuals affected by the sanctions begin to challenge their legality in U.S. courts. This could involve filing lawsuits, seeking injunctions, and arguing that the sanctions violate U.S. or international law. Changing U.S. foreign policy and removing sanctions on Syria will require sustained and coordinated effort.

Finally, pressure from the international community is crucial. Other countries and international organizations can apply diplomatic pressure on the U.S. government to reconsider the sanctions by organizing diplomatic missions and engaging in negotiations with U.S. officials.

For over twelve years, economic sanctions on Syria have cut deep into the hopes and dreams of Syrians. In theory, sanctions seem like a low-risk and low-cost solution to international disputes; however, sanctions rarely achieve their professed objective. Spokespeople say they are imposed to force a change, bringing peace and rights; however, the poor, sick, young, and marginalized communities often bear the brunt of such policies. Our societies must question whether they are achieving their desired result and who the real beneficiaries are. After twelve years, it is past time for the world community to start holding the American government responsible for its broken promises and assessing its adherence to the moral principles it so vehemently advocates.