The UN Independent Commission of Inquiry on Syria also called on Monday for all parties to prioritize the protection of civilians as the country grapples with a worsening humanitarian crisis and ongoing violence, including in the Golan.
Children queue for hot food in Aleppo, Syria.
Review sanctions
The humanitarian crisis remains dire, with over one million displaced since late November and 17 million in urgent need of assistance. Capacity to support those newly displaced, as well as those returning, is overstretched and more support from the international community is urgently needed.
The Independent Commission called on all Member States to support aid efforts, calling for the review and suspension of existing sanctions regimes, to ensure they are not impeding humanitarian efforts.
“As we have seen, sanctions cause disproportionate harm to the poor and most vulnerable, and now is the time to give Syrians the chance to rebuild their own country,” said Commissioner Chair Pinheiro.