Iranian Civil Society’s Letter to the UN SG on Sanctions during Covid-19 Pandemic

In a letter to the UN secretary-general, more than 300 non-governmental organizations refer to the outbreak of the Coronavirus in Iran and the death of citizens as well as a number of doctors, nurses and health professionals due to lack of medical equipment and medicines, calling for the abolition of cruel US unilateral sanctions on the Iranian people. Full text of the letter is as bellow. [ Reffered articles are fully stated here]

Dear Secretary-General Guterres,

The right to health is a fundamental right recognized within the international human rights law and is enshrined in various international conventions and documents.
The 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights deems health as an adequate standard of living and in Article 25(1) states:
“Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services, and the right to security in the event of unemployment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age or other lack of livelihood in circumstances beyond his control.”

Furthermore, International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (1966) reaffirms this commitment in Article 12:
1. The States Parties to the present Covenant recognize the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health.
2. The steps to be taken by the States Parties to the present Covenant to achieve the full realization of this right shall include those necessary for:
(a) The provision for the reduction of the stillbirth-rate and of infant mortality and for the healthy development of the child;
(b) The improvement of all aspects of environmental and industrial hygiene;
(c) The prevention, treatment and control of epidemic, endemic, occupational and other diseases;
(d) The creation of conditions which would assure to all medical service and medical attention in the event of sickness.

The right to health is also recognized in Article 24 of the International Convention on the Rights of the Child states:
1. States Parties recognize the right of the child to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health and to facilities for the treatment of illness and rehabilitation of health. States Parties shall strive to ensure that no child is deprived of his or her right of access to such health care services.
2. States Parties shall pursue full implementation of this right and, in particular, shall take appropriate measures:
(a) To diminish infant and child mortality;
(b) To ensure the provision of necessary medical assistance and health care to all children with emphasis on the development of primary health care;
(c) To combat disease and malnutrition, including within the framework of primary health care, through, inter alia, the application of readily available technology and through the provision of adequate nutritious foods and clean drinking-water, taking into consideration the dangers and risks of environmental pollution;
(d) To ensure appropriate pre-natal and post-natal health care for mothers;
(e) To ensure that all segments of society, in particular parents and children, are informed, have access to education and are supported in the use of basic knowledge of child health and nutrition, the advantages of breastfeeding, hygiene and environmental sanitation and the prevention of accidents;
(f) To develop preventive health care, guidance for parents and family planning education and services.
3. States Parties shall take all effective and appropriate measures with a view to abolishing traditional practices prejudicial to the health of children. 4. States Parties undertake to promote and encourage international co-operation with a view to achieving progressively the full realization of the right recognized in the present article. In this regard, particular account shall be taken of the needs of developing countries.”

Mr. Secretary General,
Over the last four decades, the people of Iran have been suffering from unilateral and multilateral economic sanctions imposed and lead by the United States. President Donald Trump’s administration has intensified these coercive measures to such an extent that they mean nothing but a blockade and economic warfare against the people of Iran. To this date, the United Nations has not been able to ensure the United States’ commitment to its international law and human rights obligations.

Mr. Secretary General,
Economic sanctions are placing 80 million lives at risk and are directly contributing to the death of thousands of Iranians. Iran needs sanctions relief to purchase life-saving medical equipment, medicine, respirators, and hygienic supplies for its population. As the Iranian civil society and NGOs signatories of this letter, we are asking the United Nations for an immediate suspension of economic sanctions against Iran and efforts to stop and rectify the genocidal human cost of these measures.

Signatories:

 
1- Network of Women’s Non-governmental Organizations in I.R.Iran
2- Iran NGOs of Environment and National Resources Network
3- National Network of Iranian Deaf NGOs
4- National Network of Iran’s Cancer NGO
5- The National Network of Physical-Mobility Disabilities NGOs
6- Inclusive Growth for Sustainable Development Network
7- Environmental and Natural Resources Network of Fars Province, Iran
8- Disability Association of Tavana
9- Family Health Association of Iran
10- Institute for Women’s Studies & Research
11- Farasooye Taaly Institute
12- Organization for Defending Victims of Violence (ODVV)
13- Ra’ad Rehabilitation Goodwill Complex
14- Peivande Gole Narges Organization
15- Society of Iranian Women Advocating Sustainable Development of Environment
16- Zanjireh Omid International Charity Institute
17- Iran Autism Association
18- Abshar Atefeha International Charity Foundation
19- Iranian Hemophilia Society
20- Iranian Elite Society
21- The Association for Protection of Refugee Women and Children (HAMI)
22- Lovers of Nature and the Environment of Marz Association
23- Mafakher Feizollahbeigy Cultural & Social Association
24- Iran-Portugal Friendship Association
25- Omid Kariman White Cane Charity
26- Blue Circle Diabetes Association
27- Qazvin province House of People’s Participation in Health
28- Kurdestan Province Down-Syndrome Charity Center
29- Rige Zhian Mental Health Association
30- Institute of Benefic Ladies
31- Zhin Mental Health Institute
32- Qazvin Minoodar Mental Health Institute
33- Parzhin Environmental Association
34- Tadbir Farhangian Fars Institute
35- Organization for Protection of My Family, Sarakhs City
36- Rural Youth Assistance Association
37- Hemayatgaran tose'e karafarin Hegmataneh
38- Safiran e Omid, Mazndran Province
39- Association of Women Counselors
40- Til Women Institute
41- Green Kurdistan’s Population
42- Al-Hosna Charity
43- The Imam Rezais Benevolent Society
44- Khorshide Mohabbat
45- Toloo Bineshanha Society
46- Sayed-almorsalin Zahedan Province
47- Raman Kurdistan Mental Health Support Population
48- Unique Yeganeh North Khorasan Province
49- Jiroft Maktab-Alzahra Charity
50- Anjoman kocholohaye Irani
51- Hamyaran Salamat Sanyar NGO
52- Ehda Ozv Fereshte Mandegar Fateme NGO
53- Iranian Jewish Women Society
54- Zahedane Shams Women Association
55- Asoy Zhyani Saheb NGO
56- Kurdistan MS Support Association
57- Avaye Salamate Farda
58- Hami Sistan ta Makoran
59- Aramsh Fardaye Sistan Association
60- Imam Hasan Mojtaba Meraj Charity Institute
61- International Tour Guide Society of Papurvan sna, Kurdistan
62- Life’s Beautiful Spring NGO
63- Environmental Organization of Alamut Yar
64- Be Tavane Zan NGO
65- Nasime Mehrabani Association for Protecting Socially damaged Women, Kurdestan Provinve
66- Hamdellan Association of Bijar Gaross
67- Comprehensive Center for Women and Families Empowerment
68- International Union of Women Followers of Monotheistic Religions
69- Rahpouyan e Kurdistan Association of Preventing Social Harm
70- Kodakane BozorgAndish Asemane Kordestan Empowerment and Creativity Institute
71- Rahjooyan Omid Javan NGO
72- The Permanent Calling Center of the People of Sanandaj City
73- Successful Family Lovers Association
74- Tapesh Institute
75- UNESCO Chair on Social Health and Development
76- Hengameh Marefat NGO
77- Naeimabad Humanitarian NGO
78- Tavalode Dobare Jiroft
79- Kerman Charitable Society for Students with Special Needs
80- Iran-Germany Friendship Association
81- Mehr Pouyan Sabze Andisheh
82- Al-Anon & Al-Ateen Institute
83- Safiran Salamati Shirazis
84- Anjoman Pasbanan Tabiat Aghta
85- Institute of Philanthropy and Charity of Diyanat e Imam Ali
86- Rahe madreseh Association
87- Yaas Charity
88- Bahre Asman Association
89- Institute of Kimia the Art of Shining Stars
90- Social Center of Entrepreneur and empowered women of Anar City
91- Sayyid al-Shohada Charity and Cultural Foundation
92- Erfan Salamat Humanitarian Council of Diabetic Patients of Kerman Province
93- EMAM SAJAD Charity of Kouhbanan
94- Deaf Association of Sirjan
95- Golshan Nour Charity Center
96- Mehravid kariman Charity
97- Institute of Green Stars of Nature
98- Shamim -mehre -diar -kriman Institute
99- Khirie-emam-ali
100- Monadian Rahe Hejrat Charity Institute
101- Sirjan Sweepers Community
102- Yaddashti baraye farda
103- Kashaneh omid
104- Nobavaran javan Bam
105- Kanoone Pishgiri az Asibhaye Ejtemaiye Zanjirehay Mohabbat NGO
106- Botiya Andishmand Kavir
107- Asre Besharat Cultural Association
108- Anjoman Dogholoha va Chand Gholohaye Ghalbhaye Hamsan kerman
109- Parizkuh Environment Keepers Society
110- Moaseseh Aftabe Rahmate Keriman Jonoob
111- Sirjan Charitable Women Association
112- Jamiat Tolloo bi Neshanhaye kariman
113- Iranian Diabetes Society
114- Iran-Spain Friendship Society
115- Doustdaran Tamadon Kohan Sabzevaran
116- Mehrvarzaan Good Growth Sabzevaraan
117- Chemah kouhbanan Association
118- Al-Zahra Charity
119- Kerman provincial Thought and Development Association
120- Moasese kheyriyeh Hazrate Zeinab
121- Association of Osva Sacrifice Kerman Province
122- Omide Farda Institute
123- Kidney Disease Association of Kerman Province
124- Morning & sport Association of Kerman
125- Congress 60 Human Revivification Society
126- Association of Mazandaran Mehrvarzan Zamin Pak
127- Pishgaman Naji Hate Hayvanat Institute
128- Javanehaye Omid o Andisheh Institute
129- Hoghoogh Pajoohane Ghanoon Madare Esfahan
130- Tushe_Mohabat_Hasti
131- Javanan zhihat kurdestan NGO
132- Langaroud Environmentalists Society
133- Iranian Scientific Society of Medical Entomology
134- Roshanaye Omid Charity Foundation
135- Iran Wrestling Veterans Support Center
136- Yas Nabi NGO
137- Homay-e Sabz of Maraghe Environmental Organization
138- Nasime Danesh Association
139- Shokoofa Institute of Cultivating Children's Talent
140- Mental Health society of Chaharmahalo Bakhtiari Province - Saman city
141- Bahar Afarin Shargh Association
142- AstanehArak Kanoon Farhang Abrisham
143- Mohkam Charity Institute
144- Citizenship Rights and Cultural Development Association of Alborz Province
145- Shahrvandan Ayandesazan kavir
146- Kolbeh Banuvan NGO
147- RaheNo Andishe Shahrekord
148- Azein Mehr Nargs
149- Foundation of Emdadgaran Ashora Kermanshah
150- Iran-Japan Friendship Association
151- Anjoman Taghzeieh Salem Deyare Eshgh
152- International AvaYe Ecran Institute
153- Iran Rescue Center
154- Tolue Mehr Arano Bidgol
155- International Association of Muslim University Professors
156- Iran-France Friendship Association
157- Jahan-nama NGO
158- Tabriz Theater Graduates Society
159- Nature Conservancy and Cleaners Association of Eghlid City
160- Iran-Italy Friendship Association
161- Divar Hamdeli Ehsan
162- Silk Marine Route NGO
163- Barane Mehre Autism Charity of Gilan
164- Zanane Payame Hagh Institute
165- Kanon Sabze Tamisheh
166- Beheshte Abotorab
167- Rah Avaran Salamt Javan Naved Lordegan
168- Iranian society of Nutrition
169- Kolbe Asemani NGO
170- People's Association of Prospective Athletes
171- National Association of Entrepreneur Women
172- Association of Entrepreneur Manager Woman
173- Nimrooz online
174- Iran-Cyprus Friendship Association
175- Talashgarane Salamat Institute
176- Havraz Kurdistan Institute
177- Anjoman Taghzieh Salem Shahrood
178- Anjoman Nojian Kotah Ghadan Kurdistan
179- Iran Lupus Association
180- Omid Sabz Bon Center
181- Nature's Rosy Bloom
182- Guild of Qazvin Wellbeing Counseling and Psychological Association
183- Iran-India Friendship Association
184- Iran-Cameroon Friendship Association
185- Sacrificers (ISARGARAN) House of Public Participation
186- Asanak Movies and Thoughts
187- Kazive Zhian
188- Moheban hazrat Ali-ebn Abotaleb
189- Tashakol Banovan Khalagh Asouran
190- Rashad Zhiyan
191- Peyvand Mana
192- Himo Institute
193- Green Life Association
194- Pezhwak Ayeneh Wandad
195- Ofogh Institute
196- Tirazis Pad Pars
197- Royesh Bahar Zendegi Javan
198- Chahar Mahalo Bakhtiari Province People's Association of Lordegan Environment and Natural Resources Association
199- Banavan Kosar NGO
200- Howryani Sroshti Neshtman Association
201- Zhiari Zanaii Nishteman
202- Sedaye Charkhabe Dashtestan Tourism Institute
203- Sustainable Green Space Development in Sari City
204- Hafezane Miras Kavir Ardestan Association
205- Salamat Charity in Kurdestan
206- Rah Pooyan Salamt
207- Zagros Pak Borujen Community Centered Team
208- Avaye Mehr Miankooh
209- Poyandegane Shahre Ideal
210- Hamoon Iran Association
211- Kurdistan Alzheimer's Association
212- Rahpoyan Salamat Choghadak
213- Kajavan Institute
214- Mehrvarzan Kodak Khalij Fars NGO
215- Zhiani nwe Social Damage Prevention Association
216- Pazhooheshgaran Bikaran Hasti Institute
217- Association of Environmental Hazards and Sustainable Development of Andishesazan Ofogh Iranian
218- Kurdistan's Thalassemia NGO
219- Kavosh National Foundation of Education
220- Iranian Society of Organ Donation
221- Kudakane Behesht Charity Association for Supporting Children with Special Needs
222- Mehr Andish Javanan Institute
223- Institution of Naysar Local Development and Facilitation
224- Gabric Diabetes Education Association
225- Emdadgaran Ashora
226- National and International Organization of United Asia
227- Iranian Cooperators House
228- Hami Shayesteh Gilane Ma Institute
229- Pezhvak Taher Association of Supporting Cancer Patients
230- Institute for Supporting and Protecting Kurdish Girls and Women
231- Fighting Against Hunger Charity
232- Salamat Charity
233- Persian Twins Association
234- Alhojat Charity
235- Alamut Group of Environment and National Resources Assistance
236- Banovan Talashgar Sharghi NGO
237- Khayerin Maskan Saz Busher Province
238- Tolooe Aftabe Sorine Choram
239- Lorestan Sustainable Tourism Association
240- Isfahan Society of Epilepsy
241- Mohajer Nejat Bakhsh Zendegi Khorasan Shomali
242- Toloe aftab salamat
243- Simurgh Premier Vision Association
244- Emtedad Andishe NGO
245- Safe Community Association
246- Environmental Institute of Rahimabad, Asemanrood
247- Yavarane Homaye Rahmat
248- Young Helper of Clean Sports Association
249- Anjoman Hamiyan Mohite zist Mongasht
250- Nature Cleaners community of Gilan province
251- Hamidieh Society of Supporters of Nature and Environment
252- Talaye Daran Danesh
253- Mehrafarinan Rahian Salamat
254- Omid Charity (Supporting Cancer Patients in Fars Province)
255- Yazd Smart City NGO
256- Shahrvand Hamyar Ghoomes NGO
257- Hameyan Raheh Roshane Lorestan
258- Navid Dansh Bahmaie Institute
259- Ehyagaran Tanafose Pake Zamin
260- Tourists of Beautiful Persian Plains
261- Nimrooz e Sistaniha Foundation
262- Payan kartonkhabi Institute
263- Taranome Andishe Javane Farda
264- Safir Charitable Association
265- Emdad garan ashora Chahar Mahalo Bakhtiary Province
266- Galikesh Society of Thoughtful Women
267- Modiran Movafagh Farda Institute
268- Chavoshan Salamate Parseh
269- Jamiat Hamyaran Salamet Ravan Ejtamai Dard Ashinas
270- Hampadi Community
271- Saraye Toloue Omud
272- Khozestan association of Pioneers in Science and Technology
273- Iranian Society Revival Hearing NGO
274- Farhang Gostaran Dadafarin Fars
275- Puyesh Institute
276- Semirom Green Messengers
277- The Center of Depth of Peace Psychology
278- Moj Mehrbani Charitable Foundation
279- Association of Natural Nutrition & Vegetarianism of East Azerbaijan
280- Jameeyate Hamyarane Ostane Sabz
281- Mandegaran Charity
282- Arvand Borna
283- khademane Harime Velayat Charity
284- Human Society for Mental Health
285- Barbad Children NGO
286- Safiran Tandorosti Kalateh
287- Gilan Virtual Media Development Association
288- Arya Foundation for History, Culture & Civilization
289- Baran Mehr Khazar NGO
290- Moasseh Mehre Khanevade Yasuj
291- Pars Managers
292- Andishe Rasa Mehr Fars
293- The rain of life Institute for Mental Health Support in Golestan Province
294- Ghasedak Omido Neshat Institute
295- Khouzestan Strategy Customization and Access Planning
296- Mehre Vatan
297- Bachehaye Taghat Association
298- Khuzestan Green Plain Watch Association
299- Zakerine vahi NGO
300- Noor Caner Charity
301- Innovators and Technologists Center
302- Shanim Yazdan Pak
303- Iranian Society of Disabled persons
304- Yarane Amol Sustainable Development Association
305- Sun Baghie NGO
306- Simare Dareh Shahr Environmental Assistance Group
307- Water and Environment of Zagros Association
308- Beheshte Farvardin NGO
309- Supporters of West Zagros Economic Development
310- Farhikhteh Institute of Empowerment
311- International Family Sport Group
312- Iran MS Socitey
313- Yaran Charity Association of Jaame
314- Iranian Epilepsy Association
315- Maedeh Asemani Charity
316- Prevention Association of Social Harms (PASH)
317- International Institute for Cultural Dialogues (IIFCD)
318- Iranian National Network of AIDS NGOs
319- The Institute of Communication and Development (ICD)

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