The impact of economic sanctions on the rights of children : special focus on Iraq

Abstract

This study has been divided into three chapters. The first chapter gives an overview about the sanctions regime in general and economic sanctions in particular. It gives a brief historical background to the use of economic sanctions by the United Nations Security Council. Then, it tries to give examples of sanctions and their types. The term 'Pariah states' that emerged within the concept of the New World Order and its effects on the imposition of sanctions during the last decade is also discussed in this chapter. The study also deals with the issues oi sanctions mechanism and monitoring. Finally, a general overview about the effectiveness of the economic sanctions is given. The second chapter tries in section one to deal with the impact of economic sanctions on human rights in general with some examples mentioned. The rest of the chapter deals with the impact of the economic sanctions on the children enjoyment of some rights enshrined in the International Convention on the Rights of the Child. Rights such as the right to life, survival, and development as well as the right to health and the right to education are discussed in this chapter. The third chapter will be tackling the impact of economic sanctions on the rights of the children in Iraq. The reasons behind choosing Iraq will he clarified. The study will also discuss the largest humanitarian 'Oil for Food' Program in Iraq. Some of the children's rights that have been affected will also be elaborated on. Finally, the study ends up with a conclusion that attempts to give some recommendations for reconstructing the United Nations sanctions regime.