Canada lifts broad Syria sanctions, targets six individuals linked to Assad

Canada announced significant amendments to its Syria sanctions regime on Wednesday, lifting sweeping economic prohibitions in place since 2011 while simultaneously imposing new measures targeting six individuals connected to the former Assad regime's abuses. Foreign Minister Anita Anand confirmed the changes to the Special Economic Measures (Syria) Regulations, designed to reduce barriers to economic activity and enable transactions with state-affiliated entities in sectors critical to Syria's recovery.

Economic Restrictions Eased for Reconstruction

The amendments lift broad restrictions on import and export of goods, investment activities, and the provision of financial and other services, including telecommunications monitoring and petroleum-related transactions. The changes remove 24 entities and one individual from the sanctions list "to reduce barriers to economic activity and to enable transactions with state-affiliated entities in key sectors critical to Syria's recovery," according to a Global Affairs Canada statement. The easing follows the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime in late 2024 and the formation of a transitional administration under President Ahmed al-Sharaa in January 2025.

New Sanctions on Human Rights Abusers

At the same time, Canada introduced two new listing criteria allowing designation of individuals and entities involved in gross human rights violations or actions undermining Syria's peace and stability. Six individuals received new sanctions: four for their involvement in the March 2025 wave of sectarian violence in Syria, and two for funding the Assad regime's chemical and ballistic missile weapons programs. Sanctions remain in place against individuals and entities closely associated with the former regime listed between 2011 and 2017.

Call for Inclusive Transition

The Canadian government urged Syria's new administration to "achieve an inclusive political transition" while pledging to continue implementing measures against those responsible for human rights violations, civilian repression, and actions undermining Syrian stability. The calibrated approach—lifting broad economic restrictions while maintaining targeted sanctions against specific abusers—reflects Ottawa's effort to support Syria's recovery and reconstruction while holding accountable those linked to the former regime's worst atrocities. Assad, who ruled Syria for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia in late 2024, ending the Baath Party's decades-long grip on power.