Unicef Calls for humanitarian aid for Iraq Indo-Pak Constructive economic bilaterism need of the hour

The ruling classes of the USA always pose as the champions of human rights. Only the other day the US administration along with their NATO partners carried on bombing operations in Yugoslavia killing many people. This was done on the plea of upholding human rights. The people of Nicaragura, Panama, Cuba, Chile and many other Latin American countries have had the bitter experience of the 'humanism' of the so-called champion. The West Asian country Iraq is bearing the brunt of US brand of human rights. This country, led by Saddam Hussain had the temerity of keeping its head high despite constant threats and murderous attacks day in and day out. The 'great humanist' US government are openly fomenting trouble and instigating the Iraq people to revolt against Saddam Hussain. The US administration is constantly provoking dissidents in Iraq to either depose or kill Saddam Hussain. About eight years have gone since the gulf war stopped. The 'humanist' US ruling classes are continuing their all-out blockade resulting in inhuman sufferings for the Iraqi people and especially for the women and children. A recent survey conducted by the Govt. of Iraq and the UNICEF has brought out the disturbing fact that the rate of death of children of he age group below 5 years has more than double during the last ten years.

According to the survey, the rate of death of children belonging o the above age group in central and southern parts of Iraq (where about 85 percent of Iragi people live) was 5.6 per cent during the period 1884-1989. The same rate has gone up to 13.1 per cent during the year 1994-1999. The death rate of children blow 1 year of age was 4.9 per cent and rose to 10.8 per cent during these same periods. Another survey carried out in Northern Iraq has shown a comparatively better picture mainly because this part being under the control of Iraqi Kurds, was kept outside the ambit of the all-out blockade. The UNICEF has come to the conclusion that about 500,000 children have met with untimely death because of the inhuman policy of all-out blockade imposed by the USA inorder to bring Iraq to its knees. The Executive Director of UNICEF Mr. Belami is of the opinion that the situation that Iraq is facing demands a declaration of 'humanitarian Emergency situation' and the world should stand by Iraq's side to cope with the disastrous consequences of US blockade. Belami, in his report to the UN, has suggested that relief materials should be rashed to Iraq by the states of the world.