Quakers Reject US Sanctions Policy

On June 2, 2002, a Quaker/American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) delegation arrived in Baghdad, travelling to Iraq in violation of the US laws which threaten prison and/or fines for such activities. Prior to their departure, the delegates learned that an American, who had just returned from Iraq, received a $10,000 fine for a prior visit.

In addition to advocacy and education, the Campaign has sent four gas chlorinators (water purifiers) for use in hospitals in violation of US law.

The delegates met with experts from Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), United Nations agencies, Iraqi government officials, as well as a host of technicians, doctors, artists and teachers, including United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator Tun Myat, UNICEF Representative in Iraq Carel de Rooy, Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Tariq Aziz and former Iraqi Ambassador to the UN Sayeed Al-Masawi. Their chief concerns center on the condition of education, water, health, and the lack of a cash component under the Oil for Food Program. Prior to 1990, 92% of Iraqi children attended primary school, and Iraq had one of the highest literacy rates in the Middle East. Today 23.7% no longer attend due to economic reasons, while those who do attend suffer from a limited curriculum, increased class size and an almost total lack of books and supplies.

Wendy Vasquez, a member of the Iowa Yearly Meeting of Friends.