UN Chief Guterres Calls for Immediate Removal of All Syria Sanctions

During the first UN visit to Syria in 17 years, Antonio Guterres urged the international community to lift all sanctions to aid reconstruction, as the World Bank estimates the cost at $216 billion.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Sunday concluded a historic two-day visit to Syria with a direct appeal to the international community: lift all remaining sanctions imposed during the era of ousted President Bashar al-Assad.

His visit to Damascus—the first by a UN chief since Ban Ki-moon in 2009, two years before the war began—came as Syria's new authorities, led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, attempt to rebuild after more than 13 years of conflict.

Speaking at a press conference on Sunday, Guterres said he welcomed recent steps to ease sanctions but argued they were insufficient.

'I welcome steps that have eased sanctions, and opening new possibilities for economic recovery, but all these sanctions must be removed immediately,' Guterres told reporters.

The UN chief described Syria as being 'at a crossroads' and said his appeal to the international community was to 'spare no effort to support the Syrian people and to support the Syrian government'.

Why sanctions matter for reconstruction

The World Bank has estimated that Syria's post-war reconstruction could cost up to $216 billion, a sum the country cannot access while broad sanctions remain in place. The UN estimates that 1.7 million refugees have returned to Syria since Assad's ouster, but 5.5 million remain displaced inside the country and another 6 million are still overseas .

The international community has been cautiously engaging with the new administration. The US has lifted Syria's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism, and the UN Security Council recently removed the former Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham—which Sharaa led—from its sanctions list. However, a patchwork of sanctions remains, deterring the investment Syria's reconstruction desperately needs.

Guterres' visit and message

During his trip, Guterres met with President al-Sharaa, Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, and the speaker of the new transitional parliament. In a readout of their meeting, the UN chief 'welcomed the progress achieved in Syria's political transition and underscored the importance of sustaining this momentum through inclusive participation' .

He also reiterated that violations of Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity are unacceptable, referencing recent Israeli incursions into the south. Guterres called for support to restore essential services, rebuild infrastructure, revive livelihoods, and facilitate the return of refugees and internally displaced people.

The push to normalize Syria's status comes as the country faces a massive rebuilding task. Western nations have begun easing sanctions, but investors remain wary. Guterres' public plea signals that the UN sees sanctions relief as a prerequisite for Syria's future stability.

'Syria needs investment in its people, its economy and its institutions,' Guterres said, adding that the country needs support 'for the safe, voluntary and dignified return of refugees and internally displaced people'.