Thursday 29 August 24 14:05 ۱ بازديد
Introduction
Despite exemptions for humanitarian imports built into the US sanctions regime, broad sanctions against Iranian banks and aggressive rhetoric from US officials have significantly hindered Iran's ability to finance these essential imports. This has resulted in a severe threat to Iranians' right to health and access to critical medicines, leading to documented shortages of essential drugs.
Health Crisis Worsens
Sanctions have exacerbated the health crisis in Iran. Patients with epilepsy face a lack of critical drugs, and those undergoing chemotherapy struggle to find necessary medications. People with severe forms of epidermolysis bullosa (EB) are particularly affected; they cannot access specialized bandages needed to prevent bacterial infections, sepsis, and severe complications like fusion of fingers and contractures of joints.
Human Rights Watch found that a European company refused to sell these specialized bandages due to sanctions, despite humanitarian exemptions.
An Iranian journalist reported severe complications after a Caesarean section, believed to be caused by "non-standard" anesthesia due to a shortage of higher-quality medication.
End Results of Sanctions, Iran's Health Sector
The Deterring Effect of Sanctions
The broad reach of these sanctions has deterred international banks and firms from engaging in any transactions with Iran, including those exempted for humanitarian purposes. Fear of triggering US secondary sanctions, which are penalties on non-US entities that engage with sanctioned targets cutting them off from the US financial system, has made banks and companies reluctant to participate, exacerbating the shortages of essential medicines and medical supplies in Iran.
Statements from US Officials
US officials have openly indicated that the hardships imposed by sanctions on ordinary Iranians are intentional. On February 14, 2019, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told CBS News that worsening conditions for the Iranian people would lead them to rise up against their government. Similarly, Richard Grenell, the US Ambassador to Germany, stated that businesses engaging with Iran could face visa restrictions, further highlighting the punitive intent behind the sanctions.
Challenges for Humanitarian Organizations
Humanitarian organizations supporting Afghanistani refugees in Iran have also faced significant challenges.
Jan Egeland, head of the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), reported difficulties in finding banks willing to transfer donor money due to fear of US sanctions. This has hindered vital aid work, leaving thousands without essential support.
In September 2019, the US introduced stringent requirements for "enhanced due diligence" in humanitarian transactions. These include detailed information about customers and written commitments from Iranian distributors not to sell goods to designated individuals or entities. The feasibility of complying with these burdensome requirements remains uncertain, and it is unclear whether they will override existing prohibitions on trade with designated entities.
To Bring it All Together
US sanctions are significantly harming the Iranian population by restricting access to essential medicines and medical supplies. This humanitarian crisis is a stark reminder of the broader impact of international policies on ordinary lives. Unless the situation changes, the health and well-being of Iranians will continue to deteriorate, posing a serious ethical and humanitarian
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