We delivered a letter, co-sponsored by five other organizations, to each of the fifteen Security Council member delegations, calling on the Council to take responsibility for the humanitarian crisis. Involve independent humanitarian organizations in practical ways to improve the humanitarian situation. Acknowledge the link between the sanctions design and the humanitarian emergency Recognize that short-term emergency assistance is no longer adequate or appropriate, and that longer term infrastructure needs and investment must be addressed Speedily and fully implement all humanitarian provisions of existing Council resolutions Protect the fundamental rights of the Iraqi people by moving to targeted sanctions This letter brings together a range of organizations for the most focused and coordinated NGO effort around Iraq sanctions at the Security Council level to date. The letter was the product of months of meetings with diplomats and UN staff, efforts which will continue as the momentum on lifting economic sanctions builds. Full text of the letter available from the International Office.
Further efforts are under discussion.
During the 1990s millions died in armed conflicts and their immediate aftermath. Most victims have been civilians and most have been killed by small arms such as automatic rifles, submachine guns, grenades and other weapons that a single person can carry and use. The widespread availability of small arms is a global plague raging more or less out of control. There is a legal and an illegal trade in small arms. It is a more complex issue than banning landmines.