Iranian envoy warns of severe impacts of sanctions

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Iran's Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN Zahra Ershadi, has warned of the grave implications of sanctions on civilians, particularly women, and children, and has urged countries to halt unilateral sanctions on Iran.

Speaking ahead of a UN Security Council meeting on Tuesday on the protection of civilians and ensuring their security and dignity in conflict, Ershadi argued that lifting unilateral sanctions would allow the international community to provide swift, timely, and effective humanitarian assistance.

She warned that unlawful restrictions also hampered healthcare systems and humanitarian groups, preventing access to medical supplies and hindering relief distribution, and that lifting the sanctions would guarantee that crucial help reaches people in need without undue delays or constraints.

Ershadi said, “Under international humanitarian law, all parties to a conflict are required to ensure that civilians have access to essential goods and services, including food and medical care.”

She referred to the Middle East's "critical" condition, claiming that terrorism, occupation, unlawful unilateral activities, and the presence of illegal foreign armies continue to wreak havoc on population and infrastructure.

According to the Iranian ambassador, a UN dossier indicated a disturbing increase in civilian casualties, with at least 16,988 registered across 12 conflicts, representing a 53 percent increase over the previous year.

Ershadi shed light on the research that underscores the long-term and destructive impacts of armed conflicts on food security, which resulted in widespread famine in many places. She added that  “These alarming statistics underline the urgent need for concerted efforts to address the impact of armed conflicts on food security and protect civilian populations."

She stressed that the Israeli authority consistently violates Palestinians' human rights in the occupied areas through harsh, expansionist, and apartheid actions.

According to the UN report, last year saw the greatest number of Palestinian civilian deaths in the West Bank since 2005.

Ershadi added that the situation in Gaza is "deeply distressing" since it has practically become the "world's largest prison."

She stated that the continuation of unilateral US and EU sanctions on Syria, as well as the robbery of its natural resources by unlawful foreign troops, has had a bad influence on the country's humanitarian condition.

Elaborating on Syria, Ershadi went on to say that Syrians are confronting new obstacles that are hampering the Syrian government's capacity to offer basic services to those in need.

 “The Israeli regime continues its aggressions and terrorist attacks against Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity with impunity and no repercussions from the international community,” she added.

Such "heinous crimes" against civilian infrastructure, as well as violations of international humanitarian law and the UN Charter, pose a serious danger to regional peace and security, according to Iran.

To offer effective civilian protection, the Iranian envoy emphasized the significance of prioritizing the end of the conflict, obtaining a political settlement, and ramping up humanitarian efforts.

She stated that they" rely on international cooperation, proper and timely finance, and resource access; unfortunately, these elements are impeded by unilateral coercive measures.”

Ershadi encouraged all parties to armed conflicts to completely comply with their international law commitments and to uphold the humanitarian values of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence while providing humanitarian help, particularly medical assistance.