The Syrian Women’s Political Movement extends its warmest congratulations to the Syrian people—women and men—on the lifting of economic sanctions on Syria. This historic step comes after the fall of the Assad regime and opens up a real opportunity for Syrians to reclaim sovereignty and build a homeland worthy of their sacrifices.

This  would not have been possible without the persistent demands voiced by Syrians across different phases of the struggle, and without the immense and prolonged sacrifices they have made in pursuit of freedom, dignity, and justice. This moment must be understood as a response—albeit delayed—to the will of the Syrian people, not as a reward from external powers.

This decision comes at a pivotal moment, after years of suffering exacerbated by economic sanctions which, despite their stated aim of pressuring and weakening the former regime, have contributed to the deterioration of civilians’ living conditions—especially women—impeded the work of humanitarian organizations, and deepened social and economic inequalities. While we value the lifting of these sanctions, we stress that addressing their consequences cannot rely solely on international decisions, but must also involve rebuilding just and viable national policies.

On this occasion, we affirm that lifting the sanctions must not mark the end of the road, but rather the beginning of a long struggle toward building a just economy, a free society, and a democratic state based on the rule of law, one that achieves transformative transitional justice, and upholds transparency, accountability, and equality among all citizens. This is the path the Syrian Women’s Political Movement strives for, and calls upon the relevant authorities, as well as all political and civil forces, to pursue. We also call on the international community to use this decision as a starting point to support the stabilization of Syria, enhance security and civil peace, and ensure a safe environment that upholds human dignity and lays the foundation for lasting justice.

Long live Syria—its land and its people

General Secretariat of the Syrian Women’s Political Movement
Monday, May 19, 2025