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The Security Council adopted this program in 1995 after widespread criticisms of the humanitarian crisis in Iraq under comprehensive economic sanctions. After delays, humanitarian supplies began to arrive in 1997. Though the program lessened the crisis, it did not end it. Under its rules, the UN controls all revenues from Iraq's oil sales and contracts within the program are subject to oversight. The US and the UK often impose political blockages to legitimate humanitarian contracts, claiming "dual-use" as military items. Procedures are slow, monies are withheld for war reparations, and Iraq's oil industry cannot obtain either investments or adequate spare parts. Beginning in late 2001, the US-UK throttled Iraq's oil sales through abusive control over the contract price, drastically reducing funds available for the program and organizing a humanitarian crisis in the lead-up to war. |
Sanctions Against Iraq | Disagreement
and Debates in the UN Security Council | Wider
Discussion on Sanctions Reform
Criticism of the Sanctions | Studies
and Recommendations | Statements from NGOs |
Civilian Flights | Other
Analyses of the Sanctions
Iraq Crisis | Oil
in Iraq | Threat of US Attack Against
Iraq
Key Documents
List
of UN SC Resolutions on the Oil-for-Food Program
Oil for Food: The True Story (October 2000)
A quarter of Iraqi oil and petroleum revenue goes not to food or medicine, but to compensation payments that Iraq will be making for decades to come. Alain Gresh of Le Monde Diplomatique writes of the most severe war reparations since World War I, and the US-dominated UN agency that administers the summary justice.
Open Letter to the Security Council Concerning the
Humanitarian Situation in Iraq (August 4, 2000)
Global Policy Forum, Save the Children-UK, and four other NGOs write to the
UN Security Council urging the necessity to protect and advance fundamental
rights of civilians in Iraq. The letter also urges the need to devise sanctions
that are targeted, effective and credible.
A group of NGOs including GPF have produced a statement expressing concern about Iraq's humanitarian crisis and calling for a "radical redesign" to make sanctions that are "more targeted, effective and credible."
In an informal consultation with the UN Security Council, Mr. Sevan highlighted the achievements and difficulties in implementing Iraq's oil-for-food program. For an effective implementation, he argued that the UN program needs to strengthen the relationship with the Iraqi government and avoid the politicization of the program.(United Nations Office of the Iraq Programme: oil for food)
A briefing by the Office of the Iraq Program's Benon Sevan, which outlines the specific objectives and mechanisms of the program. As the program becomes larger and more complex, the focus is shifting from delivering food and basic supplies to building infrastructures in Iraq. (UN Office of the Iraq Program)
Benon Sevan, the executive director for the Office of Iraq Program, highlights the problems posed for the oil-for-food program by the excessive number of holds placed by governments on Iraqi applications.(UN Office of the Iraq Program)
Secretary General Annan and most of the council's members express their views on the humanitarian situation in Iraq. Annan's full speech
An examination of the status of the UN's humanitarian programme, and the situation of the people of Iraq (PDF format). See also the Secretary General's previous reports on Iraq.
General Articles
2001
How
the Sanctions Hurt Iraq (August 2, 2001)
This article frames the "smart sanctions" debate in a historical context and
shows why the US-UK proposed alterations to the existing sanctions regime
would not help Iraq recover from eleven years of devastation. (MERIP)
Smart
Sanctions: Rebuilding Consensus or Maintaining Conflict? (June 28, 2001)
Based on recent Council debates, it is unlikely that the US will build sufficient
consensus to revamp the sanctions regime against Iraq. However, the US is
deeply dissatisfied with the status quo. This analysis suggests this dissatisfaction
coupled with the unlikelihood of building a consensus on the Council may induce
the US to resort to unilateral measures. (MERIP)
UN Extends
Iraq Oil-for-Food Deal (December 3, 2001)
The Security Council has adopted a new
resolution on Iraq's oil-for-food program which provides a revised list
of prohibited goods. However, the resolution does not address the question
of UN arms inspectors' return to Iraq. (Moscow Times)
Baghdad:
UN Program Faces 1.63-billion-dollar Shortfall (November 6, 2001)
With the price of Iraqi oil falling, the UN oil-for-food program in Iraq faces
a loss of about 1.63 billion dollars in the current five-month phase. (World
Oil Industry News)
Iraq Expels
Five UN Officials; UN Withdraws Them (September 4, 2001)
Stating national security concern, Iraq has expelled five UN officials from
the Oil-for-Food Program. But the Security Council understands this action
as a way of protesting against the entire UN operation in Iraq. (Reuters)
Iraq Says UN
Sanctions Crumbling After 11 Years (August 7, 2001)
Baghdad is urging the UN to lift the 11 year-old sanctions regime against
Iraq. The UN's oil-for-food programme helps alleviate some of the suffering,
but it is not a substitute for full economic activity. (Reuters)
The Secret Behind
the Sanctions (August 1, 2001)
Thomas Nagy contends that the US knew sanctions had the capacity to devastate
the water treatment system of Iraq. It also knew what the consequences would
be: increased outbreaks of disease and high rates of child mortality. (Progressive)
Iraq Says US,
Britain Blocking More Imports (July 30, 2001)
Iraq has accused the US and the UK of preventing it from buying badly needed
goods under the UN oil-for-food program, even as they sought to streamline
the program to ease its burden on the Iraqi people. (Reuters)
Iraq Promises
Oil Contracts in Exchange for Support in UN (July 30, 2001)
Iraq has announced that it will repay Russia for its support against smart
sanctions on the UN Security Council. The payment will come in the form of
lucrative oil contracts. (Associated Press)
UK Envoy Fails
to Justify Iraq Sanctions (July 28, 2001)
Hans von Sponeck, a former UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Iraq, accuses the
US and UK of duplicity in their defense of the Oil-for-Food Program. He also
argues that the US-UK proposed smart sanctions would "choke legitimate civilian
trade and humanitarian assistance" in Iraq. (Irish Times)
Iraq Gives Priority to Russia,
Syria in Import Contracts (July 16, 2001)
As an apparent reward for opposing the US/UK plan to revamp the sanctions
regime against Iraq, Saddam Hussein will give priority to Russia and Syria
in import contracts under the UN oil-for-food programme. France previously
won the lion's share of deals, but it supported the US/UK proposal. (Jordan
Times)
The UN Fails
to Get Smart (July 14, 2001)
This Japan Times editorial affirms the widely held belief that everyone--except
Saddam Hussein--lost when the Security Council extended the status quo "dumb
sanctions" against Iraq. However, the article fails to acknowledge that the
US/UK plan for "smart sanctions" would do little to help Iraq reconstruct
its civil society.
History of Missed
Opportunities (July 13, 2001)
Instead of blasting China and France for supporting the US/UK draft resolution,
Iraq should begin a constructive dialogue with its sympathizers within the
Security Council. (Jordan Times
Iraq, UN Extend
Oil-for-Food Programme (July 10, 2001)
The UN and Iraq signed an agreement extending the oil-for-food program for
an additional five months. For months, the Security Council discussed altering
the conditions of the program to allow more civilian goods into Iraq, but
disagreement among P-5 members prevented a new resolution from materializing.
(Reuters)
Trade Deal Won
Chinese Support of US Policy on Iraq (July 6, 2001)
The Bush administration won Chinese support for the US/UK plan to overhaul
sanctions against Iraq by releasing more than $80 million in frozen Chinese
business deals with Iraq last month. Although US officials argue that there
was no "quid pro quo," the deal smacks of bribery. (Washington Post)
Iraq Wins at
UN but Loses Pair of Envoys (July 5, 2001)
Baghdad may have scored a victory in forcing the US and UK to abandon their
sanctions overhaul plan, but the defection of two senior diplomats is a clear
defeat for Saddam Hussein in his propaganda war with the West. (Los Angeles
Times)
Iraq Uses Its
Buying Power As Leverage (July 3, 2001)
An article by the Washington Post suggests that the opposition toward
the US/UK proposal for "smarter sanctions" did not stem from sympathy for
Iraqi civilians, but rather from ulterior motives, such as trade and oil contracts.
The article focuses on France's pending contracts with Iraq. France was one
of the most vocal critics of the US/UK plan.
Iraq 'Smart Sanctions'
Plan Dropped at UN (July 3, 2001)
In stark contrast to pro-US publications, the Independent suggests
that the US/UK plan to revamp sanctions against Iraq failed because it did
not address the fundamental issue of how sanctions could be lifted.
Iraq Wins Sanctions
Battle? (July 2, 2001)
The UN's inability to agree on a new sanctions regime marks a victory for
Baghdad. In addition to winning the propaganda battle, Iraq effectively exploited
its neighbors' oil dependency to gain their support. (BBC)
UN Spends More
on Sniffer Dogs Than People, Says Iraq (June 29, 2001)
In a riveting speech before the Security Council, Iraqi representative Riyadh
Al Qaysi lambasted the UN for corruption and for spending more money on sniffer
dogs than on the people of Iraq. The Iraqi delegate had flown to New York
to try to convince the Council to oppose to US-UK plan to revamp sanctions
against his country. (Reuters)
UN Deadlock Over
Iraq Sanctions (June 27, 2001)
The sanctions regime against Iraq also hurts Iraq's neighboring countries—many
of whom were America's allies during the Gulf War. Jordan finds itself in
a particularly sticky situation: It wants to remain on friendly terms with
the US, but is economically dependent on Iraqi oil. (Guardian)
Jordan First
to Lose When ‘Smart' Sanctions Hit Iraq (June 26, 2001)
A public Security Council debate on Iraq failed to produce any kind of consensus
among P-5 members. Russia introduced a new draft resolution delineating how
sanctions could be lifted. The UK and US summarily dismissed the draft. (BBC)
Firm's Iraq Deals
Greater Than Cheney Has Said (June 23, 2001)
Ironically, the Vice-President of the nation most adamantly in favor of sanctions
against Iraq engaged in "sanctions busting" only a year ago. US Vice-President
Richard B. Cheney acknowledged that the oil company he headed did business
with Iraq during his tenure as CEO. (Washington Post)
UN Okays Russia
Call for Debate on Iraq (June 21, 2001)
For the first time since it imposed sanctions on Iraq, the Council will hold
a public meeting to discuss the UK and French proposals to revamp the embargo.
The announcement comes a day after Russian Ambassador Sergey Lavrov requested
the meeting. (Reuters)
Russia Seeks Open
UN Meeting on Iraq (June 20, 2001)
Moscow wants the Council to discuss the Iraq sanctions overhaul in public
meetings next week. Until now, all discussions about Iraq have been held under
a shroud of secrecy in private consultations. (Reuters)
Haggling Delays
New Trade Embargo Against Saddam (June 19, 2001)
This report suggests that there is nothing that the US can do to prevent Saddam
Hussein from rebuilding his weapons of mass destruction, regardless whether
the Security Council implements "smart sanctions." (Guardian)
UN Sanctions Didn't
Stop Iraq From Buying Weapons (June 18, 2001)
In a suspiciously-timed article, the New York Times reveals the findings
of a conservative think-tank, which argues that the 11-year-old sanctions
regime against Iraq did not prevent Saddam Hussein from building up his arsenal
of weapons. The report comes as the Council considers easing sanctions against
Iraq.
Iraq Again Warns
Turkey Against ‘Smart' Sanctions (June 12, 2001)
Worried that the Security Council is nearing a resolution to revitalize sanctions
against his country, Saddam Hussein is encouraging his allies to ignore the
UN's decision. (Jordan Times)
Smart Diplomacy
Yields a Sensible Plan for Iraq (June 11, 2001)
This editorial supports the current US-UK proposal for smart sanctions, arguing
that they will punish Saddam Hussein and the regime instead of the Iraqi people.
(International Herald Tribune)
New UN Plan Lets
Foreigners Render Services in Iraq (June 11, 2001)
The US and UK have altered their earlier proposal for revised sanctions against
Iraq. The new resolution would allow foreign companies to provide services
for civilian projects in Iraq. (Reuters)
Iraq Defiant (June
6, 2001)
An agreement on a revamped sanctions resolution will not end debate on penalties
against Iraq, nor will it thwart Baghdad's efforts to produce weapons of mass
destruction. (Al-Ahram)
UN Experts Watch
Clock on Iraqi Sanctions Revamp (June 5, 2001)
Because of the US-UK insistence that Iraq be barred from buying goods that
have even a remote military use, the Security Council will have a difficult
time agreeing on a revised sanctions resolution. (Reuters)
Iraq Halts Oil
Exports in Protest of "Smart" Sanctions (June 4, 2001)
Iraq argues that the renewal of the oil-for-food program should not be linked
to the "US-British project" to revitalize sanctions against Iraq. In protest,
the Baghdad government has halted oil exports. (Agence France Presse)
Will "Smart" Sanctions
Work? (June 2, 2001)
Not only will the US proposal of so-called "smarter sanctions" be difficult
to implement, but they will also do little to alleviate the suffering of Iraq's
population or finish the job of destroying weapons of mass destruction. (BBC)
Security Council
Extends Iraq Oil-for-Food Program (June 1, 2001)
The UN Security Council extended the oil-for-food program for only 30 days,
rather than 6 months, giving it more time to reconsider the US-UK plan to
restructure sanctions on Iraq. (Associated Press)
Iraq Ready to
Renew Oil-for-Food Program If It Remains Unchanged (May 31, 2001)
Iraq says that it will accept the renewal of the UN oil-for-food programme,
but warns that it will halt all oil exports if the Security Council also renews
sanctions. (Agence France-Presse)
US and Britain
To Stop Kickbacks on Iraqi Oil (March 11, 2001)
The US and UK want to set up a UN panel to monitor malfeasance in the Oil-for-Food
program, an idea they will bring next week in the Security Council's Iraqi
sanctions committee.(Reuters)
UN Wants Civilian
Imports to Iraq to Flow Freely (March 9, 2001)
Benon Sevan, the director of the UN humanitarian program for Iraq, suggested
that non-military articles should be sent to Iraq without the approval of
the Security Council. Why is the US not so keen on the proposal?(Reuters)
UN Warns on Iraqi
Oil Exports (March 7, 2001)
Kofi Annan calls on Iraq and the Security Council to stop inserting politics
into the oil-for-food program. (Guardian)
Iraq Lagging in Buying
Food, Medicine for Needy, UN Complains (February 01, 2001)
In a letter to the Security Council's Iraq Sanctions Committee, the head of
the UN humanitarian program expresses his concern about the slowdown in Iraqi
participation in the Oil-For–Food program. (USINFO)
2000
UN Panel Tells Iraqi
Oil Lifters Not to Pay Surcharge (December 16, 2000)
The Security Council's Iraq sanctions committee tells buyers in no uncertain
terms that they are not to pay surcharges on Iraqi oil. (Reuters)
Iraq 'Resumes' Oil Exports
(December 13, 2000)
Baghdad is exporting oil again, but the controversy over their per-barrel
surcharge is not over yet. In fact, an oil industry newsletter has reported
that several companies have been paying Iraq 10 extra cents per barrel since
October 2000. (BBC)
Iraq Oil Stays on Hold,
Baghdad Wants Surcharge (December 11, 2000)
Baghdad agrees to the UN's proposed renewal of the oil-for-food program, but
the pricing dispute quickly starts up again. Iraq is again asking companies
to pay a surcharge directly into an Iraqi bank account, and the UN says they
won't let it happen. (Reuters)
Security Council Approves
Six-Month Extension of Iraq Humanitarian Program (December 6, 2000)
Phase IX of the oil-for-food program will see a partial liberalization of
the regime. Electricity and housing supplies contracts will get fast-track
approval, and some revenue will be returned to Iraq as cash, mostly to spend
on oil industry infrastructure. (Associated Press)
Iraq Oil-for-Food Deal
Debated (December 5, 2000)
The director of the oil-for-food program has told the Security Council that
it is time to make changes to the regime. But the Security Council, which
is currently discussing the terms of the program's renewal, is straining to
agree on the nature of those changes. (News24)
Iraq Says it is Free
to Choose its Oil Prices (December 3, 2000)
Baghdad says that it will impose sanctions of its own against companies and
countries selling its oil to ‘hostile' states. Meanwhile, Kofi Annan criticizes
both Iraq and the US in his report to the Security Council on Iraq sanctions.
(Reuters)
Oil Exports: The Iraqi
Statement (December 1, 2000)
An announcement on Iraqi radio about the suspension of oil exports. (BBC/Iraqi
radio)
Iraq Halts Oil Exports
(December 1, 2000)
Baghdad blames its dispute with the UN over the oil-for-food program for the
stoppage. Moreover, according to reports, Iraq has enough funds from previous
sales of oil to sustain the freeze for some time. (BBC)
Iraq Set to Suspend
Oil Exports in Revenue Dispute With UN (November 27, 2000)
Iraq wants international oil companies to pay premiums into an account outside
UN auspices. The UN sanctions committee says they won't let this happen. The
battle could lead Iraq to suspend its oil exports in protest. (Agence France
Presse)
Iraq to Ask UN to Include
Palestine in Oil-for-Food Deal (November 26, 2000)
Baghdad says that they want revenue from Iraqi oil to provide food and medicine
not only for the Iraqi people, but also for "their Palestinian brothers".
With such a proposal, Iraq's political capital may soar even higher among
the Arab states. (Xinhua)
Bill Clinton on Sanctions
Against Iraq (November 8, 2000)
Interviewed by Amy Goodman of Democracy Now, Clinton justifies the
sanctions against Iraq, blaming only Saddam Hussein for the effects of the
sanctions on the Iraqi people. Following the interview is a rebuttal from
EPIC, pointing out errors in Clinton's statements and fundamental flaws
in the Oil-for-Food program.
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