Why sanctions aren’t the answer in Syria
The ‘Little Heroes’ Programme run by the Awareness Foundation
Embrace partner and friend Rev Dr Nadim Nassar, Director of the Awareness Foundation reflects on the urgent need for international action to save Syria, and the wider region, from humanitarian catastrophe and why sanctions only hurt the poor.
Sanctions have been one of the most popular ways to put pressure on countries and political regimes. They aim to force compliance with UN resolutions or to punish the breaking of international law. I have lived through sanctions many times and I feel strongly that this method of preventing further violence and ensuring compliance is barren most of the time. Sanctions cause increased suffering for the people of the country and result in very little change in the political or military hierarchy.
The Syrian people are suffering hugely from sanctions. Their effect is felt solely by the people and have no impact on those in power. The Covid-19 pandemic has further added to the agony of the people through the lack of medical supplies and the increasing pressure on hospitals that are already in bad shape. At the Awareness Foundation we are trying our best to help children and young people to cope with this inhumane and horrendous situation.
The situation within Syria is dire. In summer, temperatures can reach over 35ºC and people have only one or two hours of electricity a day. The consequences are horrific - without electricity, people cannot operate pumps for drinking water. They are left without the means for communication, without the internet and fresh drinking water. A couple of hours electricity a day affords very little opportunity to survive - people are struggling just to keep their heads above water. Without power, the whole country is paralysed. This increases the stress on the normal population who already feel angry and helpless. The mental strain is massive; I have never witnessed such despair as basic human comforts are removed.
All the borders with neighbouring countries are closed. This has created a huge shortage of essential items, causing prices to rocket and placing them beyond the reach of normal people. Furthermore, Turkey has cut off the flow of water to eastern Syria, particularly Al- Hasaka province. This is an emergency; there is a severe lack of fresh drinking water at a time of extreme heat in the region.
What Syria needs is a serious national and international dialogue to find a political solution that will bring an end to one of the most terrible tragedies since the Second World War. This international dialogue should also seek to end the tragedy in the neighbouring countries of Lebanon and Iraq, which are also suffering from the proxy storm that has affected the region for years, the consequences of which are devastating. Millions of people have lost their lives in the last decade alone. Many more millions have been either internally displaced or have become refugees in neighbouring countries.
Let us not forget those who have been injured and disabled (physically and mentally) for life as a result of this regional and international power play. Millions of young Syrians, Lebanese and Iraqis have left the region resulting in a massive haemorrhaging of talent and future prospects. As an educational foundation, we see the impact on the education system. Here at the Awareness Foundation we have spent the last year leading a campaign called Paper & Pen that helps children who are unable to go to school simply because they cannot afford the inflated cost of stationary.
We are delighted to have been able to help hundreds of families to send their children back to school by providing them with the stationery they need.
The region needs a radical solution that involves local, regional and international powers to bring stability and peace to a region that is the cradle of civilization and a beacon for culture, history, creativity and diversity.
By the Revd Dr Nadim Nassar, Executive Director of the Awareness Foundation