The following is an archived copy of a message sent to a Discussion List run by the Campaign Against Sanctions on Iraq.
Views expressed in this archived message are those of the author, not of the Campaign Against Sanctions on Iraq.
[Main archive index/search] [List information] [Campaign Against Sanctions on Iraq Homepage]
Dear all
This was in the November/ December Amnesty members magazine, along with a brief bit about the Iraq Under Siege book.
"sanctions and Amnesty International.
AI's position on sanctions is currently being reviewed within the strict terms of our mandate and commitments to independence and impartiality. Except when trying to prevent exports of training or equipment that is likely to be used to violate human rights within the mandate (such as electric shock batons), AI's current policy is to take 'no position on punitive measures of any kind such as sanctions and boycotts', irrespective of the circumstances in which sanctions are imposed or the effects they have.
However, for several years AI has been considering whether it should retain this policy or devise a new one. There seems to be consensus that there is a need for change, so a range of options are being developed in preparation for a final decision on a new policy at the 2001 International Council Meeting.
For AI the issue of sanctions, for example in Iraq, is linked to economic, social and cultural rights- under its mandate AI works to promote awareness of and adhherence to all human rights and international adherence to them.
The humanitarian situation in Iraq is clearly a matter of deep concern. AI strongly supports the position of the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and other UN agencies that the rights of the civilian population should be protected."
Richard Byrne
Voices in the Wilderness