UN Procurements in Syria Decrease but Become Riskier, Report Finds
Enab Baladi published a report highlighting an investigation by the Syrian Observatory of Political and Economic Networks (OPEN) revealing that UN procurements in Syria have decreased but have become riskier. Between 2021 and 2022, UN agencies spent approximately $309 million on Syrian suppliers, a decline compared to 2019 and 2020.
Key findings from the investigation include:
- 10 out of 14 UN agencies reported a decrease in procurements, indicating a shift in sourcing policies for humanitarian response in Syria.
- Procurements from suppliers with high and very high risk levels increased from 47% in 2019-2020 to 52% in 2021-2022, often with ties to human rights violators and the Syrian regime.
- Significant purchases were made from sanctioned individuals like Samir Hassan, Samer Foz, and Mohammad Hamsho.
- Criticism of lack of transparency in UN procurement practices, with a high number of procurements from undisclosed suppliers.
- Funding going to NGOs with regime ties like the Syria Trust for Development and Nour for Relief and Development.
The report emphasizes the need for greater scrutiny and transparency to prevent support for entities involved in human rights abuses and regime-affiliated activities in Syria.
Iran Pledges Support for Syria Amid Tragedy
Interim Iranian President Mohammad Mokhber assured Syrian President Bashar al-Assad of Tehran’s continued support for the resistance axis, particularly Syria, in a phone conversation following the tragic helicopter crash that claimed Iranian officials’ lives.
Mokhber expressed gratitude for Syria’s solidarity and friendship, highlighting the strategic partnership between the two nations in the face of hardship.
International Duty to Prioritize Syrian Refugees’ Right to Return
In an op-ed, Khaled Abou Zahr calls on the international community to prioritize the right of Syrian refugees to return home amidst the ongoing crisis that has displaced millions. The article emphasizes the need for safe conditions for refugees to return without fear of violence or regime retaliation.
Zahr criticizes international inaction regarding the Syrian regime’s atrocities and advocates for a shift towards facilitating safe returns to stabilize the region and prevent extremism resurgence.
Civil Society Groups Urge US DOJ to Allocate Lafarge Case Assets for Syria Atrocity Victims
Over 50 civil society organizations have written an open letter to the US Department of Justice, urging the proper allocation of forfeited assets from the Lafarge case to support victims of atrocity crimes in Syria. The case involved Lafarge providing material support to terrorist organizations in Syria, leading to criminal fines and forfeitures totaling $777.78 million.
The organizations stressed the importance of victims receiving support given the ongoing conflict and displacement, calling for victim input on fund usage to align with international law obligations.