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Damascus Restricts Communication Between Organizations and International Entities… Civil Society Gripped by Concern
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The new measures reflect an official shift towards tightening control over funding channels and external communication for civil organizations, posing a threat to the independence of humanitarian and
The Directorate of Social Affairs and Labor in Damascus issued Circular No. 2391, imposing strict restrictions on the communication of civil and humanitarian organizations with international entities and donors, requiring that all correspondence and projects pass exclusively through the Directorate of Planning and International Cooperation.
The directive, signed by Mahmoud Ali Al-Khatib, Director of Social Affairs and Labor in Damascus, mandates that organizations refrain from directly contacting international organizations, UN agencies, international partners, or Arab unions. It also forbids communication with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the exchange of project documents, proposals, and cooperation plans, unless done through the Directorate of Planning and International Cooperation.
Additionally, the circular requires organizations to "adhere to the contents of approvals granted to international organizations and UN agencies, refrain from undertaking any activities not explicitly approved, and coordinate with the Directorate of Planning and International Cooperation regarding such matters."
According to official rhetoric, the decision aims to "organize international cooperation files, prevent duplication of coordination, and ensure the government receives comprehensive tracking reports on implemented activities, including all necessary approvals and procedures."
The decision has sparked mixed reactions within civil society. Some observers argue that the measure effectively turns organizations into government-controlled entities, granting authorities full oversight of their projects and financial transactions while enabling them to block any undesired initiatives.
Other analysts fear that the directive could negatively impact the work of human rights organizations documenting violations, effectively leading to the "death of civil society in Syria."
Conversely, some believe the move is an attempt to pressure the European Union, which refuses to provide direct support to the government and instead channels aid through civil society. They predict that the decision may be difficult to enforce and could eventually be reversed due to its adverse impact on relations with international donors.
The directive also requires organizations to have a coordinator from the Directorate of Planning and International Cooperation present at any meetings with international entities and to submit quarterly implementation reports for all international cooperation projects carried out in partnership with UN agencies or international organizations.
These measures raise concerns about the future of international funding for humanitarian projects in Syria, particularly as the country remains in dire need of aid across various sectors, while donors insist on transparency and independence in project implementation.
