Human Rights Watch (HRW) has raised alarms over the stringent regulations imposed by Syria’s transitional government on humanitarian aid operations, urging immediate reforms to address the country’s escalating crisis. According to HRW, these restrictions require aid groups to adhere to an onerous “umbrella system,” in which they must coordinate with a national partner — effectively a third-party regulatory body — and reregister their operations, even if they have served the region for decades. This regulatory framework also demands the disclosure of operational and financial details, significantly hampering relief efforts.
The new framework bears strong similarities to the highly criticized system under the former Assad regime. Previously, aid groups were required to function under entities like the Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) and Syria Trust for Development (STD). This structure enabled extensive government oversight, allowing Syrian security services access to sensitive information such as operational strategies and the identities of aid recipients. HRW argues that the continuation of such practices under the transitional government undermines the autonomy of independent organizations, reduces aid transparency, and prioritizes political agendas over urgent humanitarian needs. For further context, HRW has detailed its concerns in a report, which can be accessed here.
Adam Coogle, deputy Middle East director at HRW, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that unless these “arbitrary restrictions” are lifted, the suffering of Syrians will worsen. The context for these challenges is Syria’s fragile post-Assad transition. After the government’s overthrow in late 2024, ongoing instability has compounded humanitarian needs. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) estimates that 16.5 million people in Syria require assistance. UN representatives, such as Adam Abdelmoula, have publicly stressed the necessity of international support for the country’s recovery. To understand more about Syria’s ongoing transitional challenges, follow this link.
Without addressing systemic barriers to aid delivery, Syria’s humanitarian crisis risks further deterioration, leaving millions without essential resources and support.