One year on, Syria’s path to recovery requires international support
Despite Syria being under new leadership, remnants of violence from times gone by has impaired the country’s ability to progress at a sustainable rate. Effects of the airstrikes that devastated Damascus and Suwayda in July are still felt, as mass displacement and infrastructure damages leave a reminder that Syria’s not too distant past is still haunting its present.
Sanctions are limiting Syria’s Progress
The United States first imposed sanctions on Syria in 1979, and further imposed more in 2011. This has severed Syria from the global financial system- leaving humanitarian agencies with complex methods in accessing cash, process transfers, and sustaining operations.
NGOs are forced to depend on informal channels, Hawala networks, and improvised multi-currency systems that delay programme delivery and drive up costs.
The U.S State Department is set to review some of the sanctions as part of a six-month review by 30 December. The approval of this decision would mark a pivotal milestone in the country’s economic rehabilitation.
The Cost of Long-Term Recovery
Currently, the Syrian government aims to rehabilitate infrastructure, restore electricity, and re-establish basic services. Considering construction is estimated between US$140 billion and US$345 billion, the task in front of them is nothing short of gargantuan.
Today, inflation remains high, making basic necessities such as food, water, rent, electricity, and fuel unaffordable for many. With many adults still unemployed, households are unable to meet basic needs.
Many schools, homes, and hospitals remain damaged, leaving communities without safe spaces to learn, live, or receive care. To move from crisis response to long-term recovery, concrete solutions for investment in reconstruction and development must be implemented.
Bittersweet Homecoming for Refugees
Since December, the UN estimates that more than 1.2 million refugees have returned to Syria, while 1.9 million internally displaced people have returned to their places of origin. Despite this, 70% of people still face food shortages, while most have come back to damaged or destroyed homes.
While over 400 displacement sites in northern Syria have closed, 1.2 million people continue to live in makeshift accommodation.
With winter approaching, Syrian families require support to rebuild homes, restore livelihoods, and access basic services.
Islamic Relief Urgently Calls for:
- An immediate upscale of humanitarian aid and economic investment to meet the urgent needs of over 16.5 million Syrians.
- Advancements in locally led initiatives, which puts recovery in the hands of Syrians.
- Lifting of sanctions that obstruct access to electricity, clean water, healthcare, UXO clearance, and reconstruction.
- Syria’s territorial integrity to be respected. The international community must act urgently to end Israel’s attacks across Syrian territory. These violations threaten civilian life, undermine Syria’s sovereignty, and hinder any ability to recover from conflict.
Islamic Relief is Still On The Ground
Islamic Relief continues to support the people of Syria through various programmes:
Health: Equipping hospitals and supporting specialist services, such as northwest Syria’s only cardiac surgery and prosthetic limb centres.
Water and Sanitation: Providing services to affected communities in Idlib, Aleppo, Hama, and Homs.
Education: Our Orphans Sponsorship Programme helps orphaned children access education, while we have also constructed and refurbished classrooms and wash facilities in schools.
Gender-Based Violence Support: Operating a centre that supports survivors of gender-based violence and provides women with vocational skills.
Livelihood Support: Supplying vulnerable farmers with seeds, fertilisers, and tools, while providing livestock herders with feed during pasture shortages.
But we need your help to continue supporting the people of Syria.
By donating today, your money goes directly to funding our programmes in Syria. Click here to support.