Geneva, SANA- Tanya Evans, Director of the International Rescue Committee (IRC) office in Syria, stressed that the current phase in Syria represents a historic opportunity to support Syrians’ recovery, given the authorities’ openness to dialogue with international humanitarian organizations.
In an exclusive interview with Arabi21, Evans noted the results of the first meeting between President Ahmad al-Sharaa and IRC Executive Director David Miliband, recently held in Damascus.
She said, “The meeting reflected a new openness among the new Syrian authorities to dialogue with international organizations, an understanding of the scale of the humanitarian disaster, and the importance of expanding public services and restoring infrastructure that was severely damaged in previous years.”
Evans called on the International Community to increase humanitarian funding for Syria and abandon the “push with less” approach. She considered this current phase to represent a historic opportunity to support Syrians’ recovery, provided it is coupled with political support and long-term funding that can be built upon.
She stressed the “need for a qualitative and urgent response to help Syrians, based on humanitarian principles, free from politicization or conditionality.” She added, “We see political readiness, but we need to translate this into a practical impact that people can see.”
Regarding the impact of lifting and easing international sanctions on Syria, Evans stated that “despite some investments, tangible recovery has not yet been achieved on the lives of civilians, and procedural obstacles still stand in the way of a more effective response by humanitarian organizations.” She affirmed her welcome for any international efforts that would support economic recovery in Syria and improve the lives of civilians who have suffered more than a decade of displacement and suffering.
She said, “We are pleased to see an increase in private investment in Syria following the easing of sanctions, but it will take time for these investments to have a tangible impact on the lives of Syrians.”
Evans added that the IRC welcomes the current Syrian government’s efforts to encourage humanitarian organizations to reach all Syrians in need, and this opportunity to expand its presence and work in previously inaccessible areas.
MHD Ibrahim
