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Programs » Peace » Advocacy » The Sanctions Against Iraq | ||
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The Sanctions Against Iraq |
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See background on Iraq Sanctions.August 14, 1998 Rt. Hon. Jean Chrétien Dear Prime Minister Chrétien, The Mennonite Church Canada, a Christian denomination of over 36,000 adult members across the country, continues to be profoundly distressed over the suffering in Iraq. Our Confession of Faith states that "we witness against all forms of violence, including war among nations." In that spirit, we have spoken to the Government of Canada about the situation in Iraq several times in the past:
The facts of the suffering caused by sanctions are well-known. An April 1997 UNICEF report notes that over 4500 children under five are dying each month from hunger and disease. A September 1997 UN report notes that over 1.2 million people have died as a direct result of the UN embargo. Several members of our constituent congregations have visited Iraq in recent months and have witnessed first-hand the suffering caused by lack of food and virtually nonexistent medical supplies and medicine. A widespread lifting of the sanctions is necessary. Our concern is deepening. Therefore, at our July 1998 annual delegate session in Stratford, Ontario, the following resolution was passed: "Whereas children are dying due to a lack of medicine in Iraq, and whereas the UN boycott of Iraq is partially responsible for this mounting death toll of children, be it resolved that our General Board be instructed to communicate with our Canadian government expressing our profound distress at any Canadian complicity in this Iraqi situation and urging our government to explore alternatives for working at people to people relationships between Canada and Iraq." We are aware that the issues are complex. Economic sanctions, when requested by the people of a particular country, can be an effective form of nonviolent pressure on their government. In the case of Iraq, we are aware that the lifting of sanctions is tied to the inspection of military sites and the certification that they do not contain weapons of mass destruction. As a people who witness against all forms of violence, we abhor the very existence of weapons of mass destruction, regardless of who owns them. Yet we cannot condone the suffering of the Iraqi people, whether caused by UN sanctions or by the decisions of the Iraqi Government. We call on Canada to put pressure on the United Nations to lift the sanctions and allow nonmilitary materials to flow to the people. Furthermore, we call on our Government to support efforts at establishing people to people connections between Canadians and Iraqis. Those individuals from our congregations who have traveled to Iraq have been profoundly affected by the friendships established there. Some of our members work with Iraqi refugees, arranging for sponsorships and welcoming newcomers. Mennonite Central Committee has been sending treatments for childhood leukemia to Iraq. They also brought letters written by children, adults and church leaders to people in Iraq, expressing to them that there are many in Canada who do not agree with the actions of our government which has contributed to their suffering. We encourage you to consider ways in which Canadians from all parts of society may connect with the people of Iraq. We assure you of our prayers and our good will as you give leadership to wholesome initiatives that address these complex issues. Sincerely,
cc. Hon. Lloyd Axworthy, Minister of Foreign Affairs
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