Breaking the Cycle of Suffering: A Call to Action for Syria’s Future

Introduction: A Glimmer of Hope Amidst the Ruins

Syria, a country once vibrant with life and culture, now stands as a stark reminder of decades of repression, war, and devastation. The recent visits by Human Rights Watch researchers to Damascus, the first in 15 years, paint a grim picture of a nation in ruins. Closed shops, bread lines, and neighborhoods reduced to rubble are the visible scars of a war that has dragged on for over a decade. Yet, amidst the rubble, Syrians hold onto hope for a better future following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad’s government in December. However, fear lingers, particularly among minorities and vulnerable groups, who are acutely aware of the risks of retaliation. The road ahead is perilous, with mass summary killings and atrocities in the coastal region underscoring the urgent need for international action. The European Union, with its unique position to influence change, must step up its efforts to support Syrians’ aspirations for justice, human rights, and stability. The upcoming Brussels Conference on Syria presents a critical opportunity for the EU to deliver a clear and ambitious message of hope and accountability.

The Urgent Need to Protect Civilians

The protection of civilians in Syria has become a matter of utmost urgency. The recent surge in violence and atrocities, including mass killings in the coastal region, has made it clear that the international community cannot afford to stand by. The EU must take immediate steps to ensure the protection of civilians by providing technical and financial support to build a responsible, accountable, and disciplined security sector and judiciary. This includes collaborating with Syrian authorities to establish a rule-of-law framework that upholds justice and human rights.
To achieve this, the EU should actively engage with international mechanisms, such as the UN Commission of Inquiry and the International, Impartial, and Independent Mechanism for Syria. Allowing these bodies to operate freely in Syria, including opening offices in the country, would be a crucial first step. Additionally, the EU should press for Syria’s integration into the International Criminal Court, ensuring that those responsible for atrocities face accountability. The EU must also address other sources of tension, such as the situation in the northeast with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces and the ongoing concerns in southwest Syria, where Israel’s actions continue to pose a threat.

Addressing the Economic Collapse: A Path to Recovery

Beyond the immediate need for security and justice, Syria faces an economic collapse of staggering proportions. Driving through Damascus reveals the devastating impact of years of conflict and oppression. With 90% of Syrians living below the poverty line and half the population unable to access or afford quality food, the humanitarian need is overwhelming. The EU must redouble its efforts to address this crisis by easing sanctions and supporting economic recovery.
While the EU’s recent suspension of sanctions in key sectors like energy and transport is a step in the right direction, more must be done. The EU should lead efforts to prevent over-compliance with sanctions that harm ordinary Syrians and assess the impact of remaining sanctions on essential services, banking, and dual-use materials. A clear and public roadmap for lifting sanctions should be presented to Syrian authorities, tied to specific, measurable benchmarks. The EU must also coordinate with other sanctioning entities, particularly the US, to ensure a unified approach. Sectoral sanctions, while politically tempting, risk becoming a blunt instrument that prolongs suffering rather than fostering meaningful change.

Empowering Civil Society: A Foundation for Transition

Civil society plays a vital role in Syria’s transition to a just and stable society. However, the space for independent groups to operate is shrinking. Human Rights Watch researchers found that civil society organizations in Damascus face significant restrictions and administrative obstacles, reminiscent of the Assad regime’s oppressive tactics. These groups, which are essential for providing aid and supporting the country’s transition, must be given the freedom to operate without interference. The EU should make it clear that greater openness to independent civil society work is a key expectation for any progress.
This includes supporting organizations that provide critical assistance to Syrians in need and fostering an environment where civil society can play an active role in shaping the country’s future. The EU must also ensure that its own policies, such as the recent support for allowing Syrian refugees to undertake "go-and-see" visits without losing their legal status, are implemented swiftly and consistently across all member states. These measures not only provide a lifeline for Syrians but also send a powerful message of solidarity and hope.

The EU’s Role in Shaping Syria’s Future

The fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government has brought a mix of hope and uncertainty for millions of Syrians, both at home and in exile. For the EU, this moment presents an opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to justice, human rights, and the well-being of the Syrian people. The Brussels Conference on Syria next Monday must be a turning point, with the EU and its member states sending a clear and ambitious message of support.
This includes addressing the root causes of instability, such as the proliferation of armed groups, the political and economic collapse, and the sheer scale of devastation. The EU must also ensure that its efforts are coordinated, sustained, and grounded in a deep understanding of the complexities on the ground. Syrians deserve more than empty promises; they need tangible actions that address their immediate needs and pave the way for a sustainable future.

Conclusion: Time for Urgent Action

The road ahead for Syria is fraught with challenges, but it is not without hope. The EU has a unique opportunity to make a difference by redoubling its efforts to assist Syria and its people. This includes protecting civilians, addressing the economic collapse, easing sanctions, and empowering civil society. The EU must act with urgency and ambition, ensuring that its actions are guided by a commitment to justice, human rights, and the dignity of the Syrian people.
As the international community gathers at the Brussels Conference on Syria, the message must be clear: the EU stands with Syrians in their aspirations for a better future, free from decades of repression and impunity. The time for action is now.