Sanctions prohibit the import of pencils, books and journals, and desks for schools. Basic educational supplies including pencils, books, and desks have never been prohibited by UN sanctions. 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 have never prevented Iraqis from making the Hajj.
Sanctions prevent travel to the Muslim holy sites in southern Iraq.
Sanctions have never prohibited travel in or out of 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. Iraq's oil exports are approaching pre-war levels. Prior to the Gulf War, Iraq was exporting about 2.6 million barrels per day of crude oil.