"Is the Security Council scared to face up to the human toll of conflict in
Iraq?", Irene Khan, Secretary General of Amnesty International, asked today.
"The humanitarian and human rights consequences of war must be given high priority by the Security Council. When war is contemplated against a country whose people have been suffering from severe violations by their government and more than a decade of sanctions, the need for such an assessment is even more important," said Ms Khan.
Amnesty International wrote last week to the President of the Security Council to express concern that the likely impact on civilians of possible military action against Iraq has not received the attention it deserves and should be debated in an open session attended by all members of the United Nations. The organization today welcomed a move by South Africa to request such an open debate and added: "It is imperative that the President of the Security Council grant this request. A full, informed and open debate by the Security Council on the human rights and humanitarian consequences of any military action is urgently needed."
"Such human rights and humanitarian consequences must be carefully considered and balanced against the threat that Iraq is said to constitute to peace and security, if the Council is to properly fulfil its responsibilities under the Charter."
Iraq?", Irene Khan, Secretary General of Amnesty International, asked today.
"The humanitarian and human rights consequences of war must be given high priority by the Security Council. When war is contemplated against a country whose people have been suffering from severe violations by their government and more than a decade of sanctions, the need for such an assessment is even more important," said Ms Khan.
Amnesty International wrote last week to the President of the Security Council to express concern that the likely impact on civilians of possible military action against Iraq has not received the attention it deserves and should be debated in an open session attended by all members of the United Nations. The organization today welcomed a move by South Africa to request such an open debate and added: "It is imperative that the President of the Security Council grant this request. A full, informed and open debate by the Security Council on the human rights and humanitarian consequences of any military action is urgently needed."
"Such human rights and humanitarian consequences must be carefully considered and balanced against the threat that Iraq is said to constitute to peace and security, if the Council is to properly fulfil its responsibilities under the Charter."