On Wednesday, March 12, the Canadian government revealed plans to ease sanctions on Syria. This move is part of a broader effort to support democratization, stabilization, and the delivery of much-needed humanitarian aid.
For years, Canada and many Many Western nations have imposed sanctions on Syria in response to the regime of President Bashar al-Assad. These sanctions were designed to pressure the government to end the civil war and improve human rights conditions. However, with recent developments, the Canadian government is taking a new approach.
The Canadian government in a statement said: “Canada is also taking steps to ease existing sanctions for a period of 6 months, to support democratization, stabilization, and the delivery of aid to and within Syria during this period of transition.”
Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly in a statement said the Canadian government would provide 84 million Canadian dollars ($59m) in new funding for humanitarian assistance. It would also allow funds to be sent through certain banks, such as the Central Bank of Syria.
Canada’s special envoy for Syria, Omar Alghabra, had this to say: “Canada can play a meaningful role in enabling Syrians to build an inclusive country that respects all of its citizens. We also can help prevent Syria from falling into chaos and instability.”
