There is ample evidence to show that broad sanctions against a country mostly affects the people who are already disadvantaged in that country: the poor and marginalized. United States sanctions policies have exemptions for humanitarian purposes, but in practice it is extremely difficult to get a humanitarian license. And even if a group receives a license, getting banks who are naturally risk-averse to allow any transactions, even for food and medicine, takes time and a lot of effort.

Our partner, the Middle East Council of Churches, has called for “the immediate lifting of sanctions on Syria and allowing access to all materials, so sanctions may not turn into a crime against humanity.” We join our partners in this call and therefore urge the Biden Administration to lift sanctions against Syria.