Press release
Syrian Opposition Coalition
Department of Media and Communications
August 17, 2023
The Syrian Opposition Coalition (SOC) closely monitors the rapid deterioration of the living and humanitarian conditions in the areas under the control of the Assad regime, underscoring that the regime stands as the main reason for crises across Syria. The SOC emphasizes the following key points:
- The Assad regime bears primary responsibility for the rapid, drastic deterioration of living conditions affecting individuals in its governed areas. This decline can be attributed to the regime’s bolstering of militias, pervasive corruption within its departments, and the diversion of humanitarian aid intended for those in need towards militias that the regime has enlisted to perpetrate violence against the Syrian populace. This revelation comes in light of the discovery of substantial amounts of expired life-saving aid, concealed in warehouses in Tartous province.
- The SOC underscores that the Assad regime is a mafia-esque entity that commands Syria, rather than a legitimate governing body. The regime demonstrates indifference to the suffering of its citizens and their fundamental needs, while harnessing humanitarian aid and the nation’s resources to serve a select segment of individuals within its inner circle. The Assad regime allocates meager resources to its military personnel, shabiha, and loyalists, leaving deserving individuals without vital aid or required services. As the local currency plummets to historic lows, the regime’s corruption takes a toll on the people.
- In light of the worsening humanitarian and living conditions in areas controlled by the regime, the SOC calls for a consistent influx of humanitarian aid across the border into northwestern Syria. Furthermore, it advocates securing essential aid for other regions, under United Nations supervision and the watchful eye of donor country representatives, while circumventing the intervention of the Assad regime.
- The SOC reiterates that Syria needs the collective determination of its populace, irrespective of their residency, to rid itself of this repressive and brutal regime. It extends support to all voices advocating for freedom, the regime’s overthrow, and the establishment of a free and dignified state, where people experience security and respect. The SOC places trust in the Syrian people’s ability to drive change amidst the current state of deterioration stemming from the regime’s actions. The regime’s attempts to mollify the populace through nominal pay raises only exacerbate the living conditions, as these increments are accompanied by escalating prices and the rapid devaluation of the Syrian pound.
- The SOC directs a message to the international community, the United States, the European Union, and Arab nations, urging them to rectify the deteriorating situation within Syria. It underscores the reality that the Assad regime is the root cause of the problem Syria and that resolving crises necessitates the liberation of Syrians from this regime. The SOC urges the achievement of a political transition in line with UN Resolution 2254, while championing a focused and resolute approach. The SOC advocates against entertaining futile initiatives with the regime, as they would merely squander time and offer the regime further opportunities to commit new atrocities against the Syrian populace.
