In fact, the UN has urged the Iraqi regime to order more basic medicines, but Baghdad has refused. Saddam has been criticized by the UN for intentionally hoarding medicines in warehouses in government controlled Iraq instead of distributing it to civilians. Sanctions prohibit humanitarian contributions to Iraq. Sanctions do not prohibit humanitarian contributions, Saddam does. Since June 1998, Saddam has publicly refused a number of humanitarian contributions while claiming that his people are suffering.
Sanctions prohibit the import of pencils, books and journals, and desks for schools.
In fact, Saddam launched a series of terrorist attacks against NGO and UN workers in northern Iraq in the early 1990s. Sanctions prevent Iraqis from going on the Hajj. Sanctions prevent travel to the Muslim holy sites in southern Iraq. The UN Sanctions Committee approved a ferry service allowing pilgrims in the region to travel to An Najaf and Karbala. Sanctions have crippled Iraq's ability to export oil.