Iraq Sanctions Challenge
January 12-19, 2001
PARTICIPANT INFORMATION
The Sanctions Challenge will defy the U.S./UN sanctions by taking tons of medicines and medical supplies to Iraq in January 2001 as an act of friendship and solidarity with our Iraqi brothers and sisters. We know that no amount of humanitarian aid can truly meet the needs of the Iraqi people. Only ending the sanctions and allowing Iraq to resume normal trade relations can bring an end to the country's catastrophic economic situation. In the spirit of the civil rights movement, we refuse to abide by unjust U.S. laws or UN resolutions that result in death and destruction for Iraqi children, women and men.
The Sanctions Challenge delegation will include leaders and activists from labor, community, religious, student, and anti-war organizations. The delegation will represent thousands of people from across the country, and will bring back first-hand information and awareness to help build a massive, concerted effort to end the sanctions.
The Iraq Sanctions Challenge will depart January 12, 2001.
If you would like to participate in the Iraq Sanctions Challenge, please read the information below and return the following to the Iraq Sanctions Challenge, 39 West 14 Street, #206, New York, NY 10011 (do not send via the internet).
Only send a complete application package. A complete application package includes ALL of the following:
- a completed copy of the PARTICIPANT APPLICATION
- a signed and notarized RELEASE form
- a photocopy of the first page of your passport
- four passport photos
- a deposit of $200
Your application must be received by Dec.11, 2000, and will not be considered unless ALL of the above items are received.
Applications will be processed on a first come basis. Getting your application in early greatly improves your chances of acceptance. Please notify your local and/or national sponsoring group, if you have one, of your participation on the Iraq Sanctions Challenge
PARTICIPANT INFORMATION
SELECTION PROCESS
Potential participants will be screened by the Iraq Sanctions Challenge staff in conjunction with your affiliated national group or your local sponsoring group. We strive for racial diversity and gender balance in the selection of participants. The Iraq Sanctions Challenge reserves the right to refuse applicants.
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
Dates may shift.
Dec. 8 Notification of acceptance for people who had application in by Dec. 2
Dec. 11 New application deadline, notification within 3 days of our receiving the complete application
Dec. 18 Deadline for receipt of balance due
Jan. 8-10 Send-Offs for Iraq Sanctions Challenge participants around country
Jan. 11 Orientation session in New York (required)
Jan. 12 Depart from the United States
Jan. 19 Return to U.S.
Jan. 19- Feb. 1 Press Conferences
PLEASE CAREFULLY CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING MATERIAL
Thank you for your interest in joining the Iraq Sanctions Challenge delegation to Iraq. It's important that travelers be prepared for conditions they will likely face in Iraq and that they fully understand the nature of this challenge before deciding to participate in the delegation.
Participating in the Iraq Sanctions Challenge
There have been a number of earlier challenges to the Iraq sanctions by humanitarian delegations, and as of yet, the U.S. government has not sought to fully prosecute the individual participants. There have been reported cases of individuals having their passports and cameras taken by US Customs. Some members of earlier delegations have recieved letters threatening procectuion, but the U.S. government has yet to carry the prosections through. We believe that if the U.S. government sought to prosecute individuals who carried humanitarian aid to Iraq the effect would be to shine a bright light on the criminal nature of the sanctions.
Having said that, however, delegation members must know that they are participating in a deliberate and open violation of the UN/U.S. economic sanctions against Iraq. The U.S. Treasury Department has said that violators of the sanctions law risk 12 years in prison, a 1 million dollar fine, and a $250,000 administrative fine. The administrative fine could be imposed without a trial proceeding.
As a member of the Iraq Sanctions Challenge project, you will have the full support of the organization and its grassroots network if you are prosecuted for your involvement during or after the Iraq Sanctions Challenge.
We rely on travelers in the Iraq Sanctions Challenge to do all they can, upon return, to educate people about what the delegation has seen and heard in Iraq. Ideally, each participant will have a sponsoring group to support you as you prepare for this trip, while you are traveling and when you return. This group will help you publicly and creatively collect the medicines you'll carry. It will help organize media interest in your departure and will stay in touch with the US delegation organizers and the media while you are away. Your support group will also help organize an event while you are in Baghdad and another event to welcome your return and the successful breaking of the sanctions.
It is important that each traveler make arrangements, in advance of their departure for:
a--a support person to assist with media work and be your contact person while you are in Iraq
b--a press release to be distributed to local media (samples are available)
c--a list of groups in your locale whom you will contact to arrange for speaking engagements
Travel conditions in Iraq are rigorous
To date, no one traveling to Iraq as on a humanitarian delegation has experienced lasting physical ailments upon return. However, some people have suffered severe digestive problems, and most have lost some weight. The health care system in Iraq has deteriorated. Airborne and waterborne diseases are at endemic levels throughout Iraq.
This trip is in the winter, so the weather will be cold.
If you have serious health problems, please give careful consideration before applying. We operate within safe parameters, but you should be prepared for a rigorous trip.
We will do our best to prevent delays, but delays may occur, so please be prepared. Our schedule will be tight, with early mornings and late nights.
Housing and food arrangements will be very simple. Travelers will be asked to share a room with one or more other delegation members.
With all of this in mind, you can expect a most rewarding and empowering experience. We will directly challenge the U.S. sanctions against Iraq - and we will win!
PARTICIPANT COST
Total cost for the trip will be $1900. This includes estimated air fare to the Middle East, travel to Baghdad, and housing, food, visas, etc.
We recommend that responsibility for expenses be assumed or shared by a local sponsoring group.
PASSPORT
You will need a passport that is valid for at least six months after the date of your return to the U.S. The Iraq Sanctions Challenge will obtain your Iraqi visa. Please DO NOT send your passport to the Iraq Sanctions Challenge.
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
For your own protection, and so there is no question, we state now that:
No inebriation, illegal drugs, solicitation of prostitution, firearms, weapons of any sort, or activity which violates the laws of Jordan or Iraq are allowed on the Iraq sanctions challenge. Failure to abide by this rule will result in immediate expulsion.
The Iraq Sanctions Challenge welcomes the participation of people from all ethnic backgrounds, religions, genders and sexual orientations to join the Iraq Sanctions Challenge. Participants are expected to treat one another with respect and consideration at all times.
Any participant who attempts to degrade or insult anyone involved with the Iraq Sanctions Challenge with respect to their ethnicity, gender, religion or sexual orientation will be immediately expelled.
We work from the assumption that these issues will not be a problem.
TRAVEL NEEDS
MEDICAL NEEDS
The Iraq Sanctions Challenge does not make specific medical recommendations regarding inoculations. Before traveling, consult with your doctor about special medical needs.
Be prepared with anti-diarrheal medication. There is a shortage of medicine in Iraq. If you need any type of medication on a regular basis, be sure to take enough with you.
GENERAL NEEDS
When deciding what to take on a trip, you should keep two things in mind: pack light and consider cultural sensitivity. Shorts and sleeveless shirts, for example, would be inappropriate. We suggest that you bring one or two items that are appropriate for public appearances.
Guidelines for packing and travel will be sent to you after your application has been accepted.
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