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Submission on humanitarian consequences of war against Iraq published
2003-037-6
2/20/2003
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[Episcopal News Service]
Military action against Iraq has the potential to lead to a serious worsening of the humanitarian situation demanding more extensive collaboration between military and humanitarian planners than was experienced during the war in Afghanistan, according to the Church of England's Community and Public Affairs Unit(formerly the Board for Social Responsibility).
In its submission to the House of Commons International Development Committee's inquiry into potential humanitarian consequences of war against Iraq, the CPAU said, 'Sanctions and ration systems have already created huge humanitarian problems. The initial impact of any military action is likely to aggravate these problems.'
Christian Aid will take the lead in humanitarian efforts on behalf of its sponsoring churches, while the Church of England has also encouraged mission agencies with a presence in the region to be ready to provide emergency assistance.
The submission also called for attention to be paid to the minority Christian churches and their communities inside Iraq. 'Their situation could worsen severely if they are seen by those of the majority faith to be agents of a Western Christian assault on an Islamic people.'
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