Call for People-to-People Action

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May, 1998

The U.S./UN sanctions against Iraq, which have now been in place for nearly eight years, are a crime against humanity. More than one-and-one-half million Iraqis-1,500,000 people - have been killed by the sanctions. Millions more are endangered by the lack of adequate food, medicine, water and sewage treatment, and all the necessities of life. There can be no justification for a policy that takes the lives of 300 people every day.

The sanctions, the most pervasive blockade of any country in modern history, were enacted by the UN Security Council. They remain in place today due to the insistence of the United States government. This cruel and inhuman policy is being carried out in the name of the people of the U.S., unless we take a stand in opposition. We must not only speak out in protest, we must take action to end the sanctions now!

In May 1998, 82 delegates of the Iraq Sanctions Challenge defied the U.S./UN sanctions by taking tons of medicines and medical supplies to Iraq. It was 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 delegation represented thousands of people from across the country. It brought back first-hand information and awareness that is helping to build a massive, concerted effort to end the sanctions.

We call upon all who are dedicated to justice to join with us in continuing to make the Iraq Sanctions Challenge a major step toward ending the blockade against the people of Iraq.

Back to IAC Iraq Sanctions Challenge Homepage

11/17/00