UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stressed the need to support the reconstruction process in Syria, calling on the international community to review the sanctions imposed on the country.
In a speech delivered yesterday via video conference at the opening of the 9th annual Brussels Donors’ Conference dedicated to Syria, Guterres said “This is a watershed moment for Syria.”
Syrians, he added, are “on the threshold of a historic opportunity to realise their aspirations for a peaceful, prosperous and inclusive future.”
“Syria’s economy has lost out on an estimated $800 billion in GDP” due to the almost 14-year civil war, stressing that millions of Syrians inside the country and in neighbouring countries “continue to need massive levels of support for food, shelter, basic services and livelihoods.”
The UN secretary general also stated that “funding for the humanitarian response continues to fall short,” and that “the international community must move with urgency to invest in Syria’s future by expanding humanitarian support and reconsidering any cuts to funding at this critical time. By investing in Syria’s recovery, including addressing sanctions and other restrictions.”
He ended by saying: “Let’s work together to help the people of Syria as they take these momentous next steps in their journey towards a free, prosperous and peaceful future.”
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