Military intervention would greatly exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in Iraq: pushing a population already suffering from poverty and sanctions over the edge, warned Save the Children UK - the longest-standing non-governmental organisation operating in Northern Iraq - today. The charity urges the British Government to find a diplomatic solution to the current impasse and focus on improving the humanitarian situation for Iraqi citizens, almost half of whom are under the age of 14.

After 12 years of sanctions, infant mortality in Iraq has doubled and the civilian population is highly vulnerable to external shocks that impact on food supplies and basic service provision. Military conflict will interrupt the supply of food under the UN Oil for Food Programme if neighbouring states close borders, central administration and distribution systems break down, transport routes are obstructed and humanitarian agencies cease operations.

"Conflict in Northern Iraq's highly urbanised population would interrupt food supplies and cut electricity, water and sanitation, which could result in displacement on a very large scale and separating children from their families," said Rob MacGillivray, Save the Children UK's Regional Emergencies Adviser, after an assessment visit in August 2002. "If prompt humanitarian assistance cannot be delivered in accordance with refugee status, the situation could become life threatening. Access to remote mountainous areas is difficult, especially in winter. Fuel is already in short supply and private food stocks will run low in winter."

Save the Children UK's recent study of Kurdish livelihoods in Northern Iraq found that sanctions and the Oil for Food Programme have made the population in that region almost totally dependent on outside assistance. 60 per cent of the Kurdish population live in poverty. These monthly rations feed a family, on average, for only three weeks. Iraqis living in south and central Iraq are even worse off.

The food ration to Northern Iraq is supplied every month by Government of Iraq-controlled warehouses, further increasing the likelihood of supply interruptions to more than three million Iraqi Kurds. Average incomes of $3-$6 would not feed a family in the absence of rations. Children who are poor and powerless will suffer most if they are deprived of food and basic services and become traumatised by conflict.

The 1991 Gulf War and ensuing sanctions have seriously damaged Iraq's infrastructure. Renewed military conflict is likely to encompass areas of high population density and affect key infrastructure indispensable to the survival of the civilian population.

Medical supplies in Iraq are already understocked. Any interruption of medical supplies would almost certainly cause dramatic suffering among those needing treatment. Damage to electricity installations will affect food and medicine storage, hospitals, water generation, purification and sanitation.

Electricity and water supplies currently do not meet minimum requirements. Poor water quality is already the prime cause of death for Iraqi children and could face sudden deterioration.

"Resolving the humanitarian crisis, not exacerbating it by war, must be the priority. In the light of the current impasse over weapons inspections Save the Children UK urges the UK Government to pursue a diplomatic solution via the United Nations and within the framework of international law," said Ken Caldwell, Director of Programme Operations for Save the Children UK. "Children's rights and their survival would be violated by military action that undermines food security through the interruption of supplies, border closures or disablement of local transportation and distribution."

For more information contact the Save the Children Press Office at: tel: 020 7716 2280 (out of hours: 07831 650 409).

Notes to editors:
* Save the Children UK has worked in Northern Iraq since 1991 and helps to build the capacity of local organisations working to fulfil children's rights in the area.
* Save the Children UK's report Understanding Kurdish Livelihoods in Northern Iraq was published in January 2002
* With Save the Children organizations in 32 countries and operating programs in more than 100 countries, the International Save the Children Alliance is the world's largest independent global movement for children. Save the Children fights for children's rights and delivers immediate and lasting improvements to children's lives worldwide.
* 'Beat Poverty' is Save the Children's campaign to raise awareness of and fight child poverty. All over the world poverty is stealing children's rights to a safe, healthy and fulfilling childhood. It doesn't have to be this way. Save the Children believes poverty can be beaten. The Beat Poverty campaign is calling for increased spending on health and education for every child, more and better overseas aid, fairer global trade rules and making children the top priority in actions on poverty.
* Join forces with us to Beat Poverty by visiting the website at www.beatpoverty.org or call 020 7701 8916.

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