Guterres Calls on the International Community to Expand Humanitarian Support to Syria

UN Secretary-General António Guterres called on the international community to act urgently to contribute to Syria’s recovery by expanding humanitarian support and addressing sanctions and other restrictions imposed on the country.

In a video message to the ninth annual Brussels Conference held in the Belgian capital yesterday, titled “Standing with Syria: Addressing the Needs for a Successful Transition,” Guterres stressed the need to support efforts to ensure an orderly and inclusive political transition, along with the establishment of institutions that serve and protect all Syrians.

He noted that Syria’s future is up to Syrians to determine, and that the United Nations is committed to assisting them on their journey toward a free, prosperous, and peaceful future.

Guterres said: Syria is at a turning pointt, as Syrians stand on the threshold of a historic opportunity to realize their aspirations for a prosperous future. However, the road ahead is fraught with challenges.

“The Syrian economy has lost approximately $800 billion in GDP during 14 years of war, and vital service infrastructure has been destroyed”, he added.

Guterres clarified that millions of Syrians, both inside and outside Syria, still need massive levels of support to provide food, shelter, basic services, and livelihoods. He noted that Syria is suffering from one of the “largest humanitarian crises in the world,” but that funding for the humanitarian response remains insufficient.

The UN Secretary-General expressed the organization’s commitment to helping Syrians achieve sustainable peace by building a country of reconciliation, justice, freedom, and prosperity.

Raghda Sawas