Summary
Economic sanctions, often viewed as a less harmful alternative to war, can harm ordinary people by weakening a country's healthcare system. A study focused on Iran shows sanctions can reduce life expectancy and disrupt access to medicine. Humanitarian exemptions in sanctions are often ineffective, worsening health conditions.
Key Facts
- Sanctions are used as a tool in international diplomacy to enforce compliance without using military force.
- They can severely affect the health of people in the targeted country by damaging its healthcare system.
- Iran faced significant health impacts from sanctions before 2015, including reduced access to medicine.
- A study found that countries under UN sanctions see a significant drop in life expectancy, affecting women most.
- Humanitarian exemptions in sanctions often don't work in practice, leading to medicine shortages and high prices.
- During past sanctions on Iran, medicine prices increased by up to 300%, forcing people to use unsafe alternatives.
- UN bodies focused on nuclear compliance often overlook the humanitarian effects of sanctions on healthcare.
