The Federal Council of Switzerland has decided to extend the humanitarian exemption from the sanctions regime against the Syrian government indefinitely to aid in delivering humanitarian aid to Syria. Initially implemented in response to the humanitarian crisis following the February 2023 earthquake, the exemption has been extended twice by the European Union in collaboration with Switzerland.
Switzerland, aligning with the EU’s sanctions regime, has imposed sanctions on the Syrian government since 2011, targeting key figures such as President Bashar al-Assad and his wife. The extension of the humanitarian exemption provides predictability for humanitarian actors, ensuring necessary activities are not hindered by financial sanctions.
The Swiss sanctions list includes numerous individuals and entities, while the European sanctions target similar entities in Syria. This decision by the Swiss Council emphasizes the importance of supporting humanitarian aid efforts amid ongoing sanctions against the Syrian regime.
This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.