Iraq Blocks Independent Experts from Assessing Living Conditions Under Sanctions

Strategic Insights -

Iraq's refusal to allow independent experts into the country to assess the living conditions of its citizens has been described as a "barrier" to addressing the severe suffering caused by economic sanctions. Secretary General Kofi Annan has reportedly expressed frustration with Iraq's non-cooperation, citing the country's decision to bar a group of experts tasked with devising ways to improve the oil-for-food program. The program, intended to ease the humanitarian impact of sanctions, has been hindered by Iraq's insistence on maintaining control over aid distribution and purchasing decisions.

Key Takeaways:

  • Iraq has refused to allow independent experts into the country to assess living conditions under sanctions, blocking efforts to address severe suffering among its citizens.
  • The country has barred experts from devising ways to improve the oil-for-food program, which was established to soften the humanitarian impact of sanctions.
  • Iraq's government is demanding total control over aid distribution and purchasing decisions, including the allocation of cash for local purchases.
  • Human rights monitors and relief officials have been denied entry into the country, while anti-sanctions protesters are welcomed for their propaganda value.
  • Iraq has severely restricted or expelled representatives of private organizations, including the Middle East Council of Churches.
  • The regime has allowed some aid shipments to enter the country, but has diverted goods meant for the population, such as medical supplies and food, for the benefit of close associates of President Saddam Hussein.
  • It is estimated that nearly $1 billion in medicine and medical supplies, and over $6 billion in food, have been bought under the oil-for-food program.

Statistics:

  • Since 1996, Iraq has sold over $32 billion in oil under the oil-for-food program.
  • Nearly $1 billion in medicine and medical supplies have been bought, and over $6 billion in food.
  • At least $1 billion in food aid has been imported under the oil-for-food program, but the majority of these goods have been taken by the regime for its own benefit.
  • Iraq's deputy prime minister, Tariq Aziz, claims that over a million children, women, and elderly people have suffered under sanctions over the past 10 years.

Sources:

  • International Herald Tribune, November 26, 1998.
  • United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan's report to the Security Council, November 25, 1998.
  • Diplomatic and UN sources, cited in the article.
  • Iraq's deputy prime minister, Tariq Aziz, speaking at a summit meeting of world leaders, November 23, 1998.