Iran: Using Sanctions as Political Weapon Contradicts Humanitarian Principles

New York,  (ST) –Deputy Permanent Representative of Iran to the United Nations Zahra Ershadi affirmed that the use of sanctions as a political weapon by some countries goes against the humanitarian principles and limits governments’ ability to deal with natural disasters.

In a speech during the meeting on (Strengthening the Coordination of the United Nations Humanitarian and Disaster Relief Assistance), Ershadi said that the international community is still facing new and changing challenges and that there is suffering from the effects of natural disasters, armed conflicts, occupation, the Coronavirus epidemic, unilateral sanctions and blockade of countries, which hinder development in the world countries. She noted that the policies of Western countries have led to great suffering for the peoples of West Asia, especially in Syria, Palestine, Yemen, and Afghanistan.

Ershadi stressed the need to observe all the principles and objectives of the UN Charter, especially respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the states by other countries and by humanitarian relief organizations.

 She pointed out that any crisis or humanitarian emergency should not lead to foreign military intervention under the pretext of the “responsibility to protect” that was launched deliberately within the framework of a political agenda.

She indicated that Iran considers the unilateral sanctions as one of the obstacles in the way of international efforts to provide humanitarian aid, and at the same time it considers these sanctions to be one of the main causes of humanitarian crises around the world.

Najla Khoury