(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) – ARTICLE 19 is concerned about the UN Sanction Committee’s policy on goods to Iraq and that the UK Department of Trade and Industry is implementing sanctions without exemptions for human rights related materials. In February 2000, a package from ARTICLE 19 destined for Iraq containing human rights documentation was returned, undelivered “due […]
(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) – ARTICLE 19 is concerned about the UN Sanction Committee’s policy on goods to Iraq and that the UK Department of Trade and Industry is implementing sanctions without exemptions for human rights related materials.
In February 2000, a package from ARTICLE 19 destined for Iraq containing human rights documentation was returned, undelivered “due to international sanctions against Iraq”. The material which ARTICLE 19 attempted to send to Mosul University in Northern Iraq included advice on access to health information, family planning and Aids, “The Right to Know: Human rights and access to reproductive health information”. It also included a comparative study of press freedom in democracies, “Press Law and Practice” originally drawn up for the UN.
ARTICLE 19 was informed by a desk officer at the Department for Trade and Industry that the organisation would need to apply for an export licence for every package they intended to send to Iraq. Furthermore ARTICLE 19 was told that such licences, issued on a case by case basis, are normally granted “for promoting business” and that no human rights criteria are considered.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to the committee chair:
Appeals To
Peter van Walsum
Chair
UN Sanctions Committee on Iraq
United Nations Headquarters
New York, NY10017
Please copy appeals to the source if possible.
