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UN briefing says Syria faces acute humanitarian needs; temporary U.S. license welcomed but broader sanctions relief needed
Summary
A UN official told the Security Council that Syrians face urgent shortages of healthcare, water, electricity and housing, and that obstacles to return for IDPs and refugees remain high. The official welcomed a temporary U.S. general license but said more work on sanctions and designations will be necessary.
A senior United Nations official told the Security Council that humanitarian needs in Syria are acute and that obstacles to the return of internally displaced persons and refugees remain considerable.
The official said access to basic services including healthcare, water, electricity and housing "remain enormous challenges." He listed obstacles to returns as lack of livelihoods, destroyed infrastructure and widespread landmines, and said the cumulative effect is mounting casualties. The official welcomed "the recent issuance of a new temporary general license by the United States government" but said "much more significant work in fully addressing sanctions and designations will inevitably be necessary." The briefing did not specify the license's terms.
The official also linked progress on an inclusive political transition to Syria's ability to attract economic support for reconstruction, saying an orderly political process would be the "most effective means to inspire confidence and ensure that Syria quickly receives the economic support that it desperately needs." The UN plans to strengthen its political presence in Damascus and has staff on the ground to follow up, the official said.
No Council action on sanctions relief or humanitarian arrangements was reported during the briefing.
