UN Secretary-General Calls For Immediate Removal Of All Syria Sanctions

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called for the immediate removal of all sanctions imposed on Syria, saying the restrictions have become a major obstacle to the country’s recovery following the end of Bashar al-Assad’s rule.

Guterres made the appeal on Sunday at the end of a two-day official visit to Damascus, describing the lifting of sanctions as essential to rebuilding the war-torn country.

“The immediate removal of all sanctions is an absolute necessity,” the UN chief said.

The visit, his first to Syria in 17 years, comes as the country seeks greater international support for reconstruction and economic recovery following the political transition that followed Assad’s ouster in December 2024.

While the United States and several European countries have eased or lifted several sanctions in recent months, Guterres said the removal of all remaining restrictions is necessary to enable Syria’s recovery.

He stressed that the country could not rebuild on its own, urging the international community to provide sustained political, financial and humanitarian support.

“No country emerges from a very severe conflict and rebuilds itself on its own. We must help Syria in its determination and resolve to do so,” he said.

During the visit, Guterres met Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani and other senior government officials. He also held talks with civil society representatives and visited the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in the Golan Heights.

Describing the trip as a visit of solidarity, the UN chief reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting a stable, inclusive and prosperous Syria.

He also highlighted the scale of the humanitarian crisis, noting that about 90 per cent of Syrians live in poverty while millions remain displaced after years of conflict.

Guterres’ appeal comes amid broader international efforts to normalise relations with Syria, including the United States’ decision to remove the country from its list of state sponsors of terrorism and the easing of some international restrictions following the country’s political transition.

He maintained that sanctions should not stand in the way of the Syrian people’s recovery and called on the international community to help lay the foundation for a peaceful and prosperous future.