Syria General License 23 fails to secure a renewal, helping to prevent future exploitation of earthquake aid
The American Coalition for Syria (ACS) endorses the decision made by the Biden administration not to renew Syria General License 23 (GL 23). The team's relentless work, in collaboration with allies in Congress, the NGO community, and the public, has led to the confirmation that GL 23, which suspended sanctions on a broad range of direct transactions with the Assad regime for six months, will not be renewed when it expires on August 8, 2023. This significant development marks a triumph for ACS's commitment to championing the rights of all Syrians to live in peace with their basic needs met while pursuing and upholding measures to hold the Assad regime accountable for its innumerable crimes against humanity.
The Assad regime exploited the tragic February earthquake to launch a coordinated international campaign to have sanctions lifted on his regime while simultaneously pushing for regional normalization. GL 23, which aimed to facilitate humanitarian assistance, proved ineffective in achieving its intended purpose. Instead of providing much-needed relief to the Syrian people, the license solely authorized transactions with the Assad regime, failing to reach those most in need and drawing immediate criticism from lawmakers and human rights organizations.
Throughout the existence of the unnecessary license, given the existing humanitarian exemptions and waivers built into U.S. sanctions on Syria, disturbing reports from Syria revealed the misuse of humanitarian aid. The Assad regime exploited the lack of monitoring mechanisms and guardrails in GL 23 to divert aid intended for earthquake relief to rebuild war-damaged buildings and engaged in profiteering by selling the aid on the streets. Furthermore, Iran took advantage of the humanitarian cover to smuggle weapons into Syria, exacerbating the conflict.
In response to ACS's advocacy efforts, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX) and Subcommittee on the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia Chairman Joe Wilson (R-SC) sent a letter to President Biden, cautioning that an extension of GL 23 would undermine the efficacy of sanction on Syria. Additionally, lawmakers introduced H.R. 4847, known as the 'Safeguarding Syria Sanctions Act,' to prevent international recognition of the Assad government and ensure transparency and accountability in implementing sanctions against Syria.
The Assad regime exploited the tragic February earthquake to launch a coordinated international campaign to have sanctions lifted on his regime while simultaneously pushing for regional normalization. GL 23, which aimed to facilitate humanitarian assistance, proved ineffective in achieving its intended purpose. Instead of providing much-needed relief to the Syrian people, the license solely authorized transactions with the Assad regime, failing to reach those most in need and drawing immediate criticism from lawmakers and human rights organizations.
Throughout the existence of the unnecessary license, given the existing humanitarian exemptions and waivers built into U.S. sanctions on Syria, disturbing reports from Syria revealed the misuse of humanitarian aid. The Assad regime exploited the lack of monitoring mechanisms and guardrails in GL 23 to divert aid intended for earthquake relief to rebuild war-damaged buildings and engaged in profiteering by selling the aid on the streets. Furthermore, Iran took advantage of the humanitarian cover to smuggle weapons into Syria, exacerbating the conflict.
In response to ACS's advocacy efforts, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX) and Subcommittee on the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia Chairman Joe Wilson (R-SC) sent a letter to President Biden, cautioning that an extension of GL 23 would undermine the efficacy of sanction on Syria. Additionally, lawmakers introduced H.R. 4847, known as the 'Safeguarding Syria Sanctions Act,' to prevent international recognition of the Assad government and ensure transparency and accountability in implementing sanctions against Syria.
Today, we celebrate a momentous victory for the Syrian people as Assad’s latest attempt to lift sanctions on his regime is foiled. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our allies in Congress, including Chairman McCaul and Chairman Wilson, for their unwavering support in preventing the renewal of GL 23. This accomplishment is a testament to the power of collective advocacy in effecting positive change."
- Dr. Mahmoud Barazi, president of ACS
ACS remains committed to its mission to support the welfare and well-being of the Syrian people and will continue to work tirelessly to promote justice, accountability, and peace in Syria.
