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Public Statements

Statement on the Threat of War Against Iraq

Following the report of the United Nations weapons inspectors to the Security Council, the United Nations Association in Canada remains deeply concerned about the consequences of a war against Iraq. In particular, a war declared unilaterally on the basis of a doctrine of pre-emption violates the very principles on which the United Nations was founded and risks jeopardizing our system of global governance. Military action against Iraq is only justifiable under the mandate of the United Nations and in response to clear and unequivocal aggression by Iraq.

A war against Iraq would unquestionably pose a grave danger to the human security of millions of Iraqi civilians, particularly women and children. The resultant refugee movements would further destabilize an already unstable region. If the Iraqi government is toppled by a war effort, the ensuing vacuum could lead to even greater threats to human security and grave future consequences which will undermine both the fight against terrorism and international stability.

As such, war must only be sanctioned if all other peaceful solutions have been exhausted. In order to avoid this worst-case scenario, UNA-Canada recommends the following:

- The UN weapons inspectors must be given adequate time and resources for a thorough completion of their mission. Only after a full report has been compiled can the real extent of the treat posed be Iraq be assessed and answered.

- Diplomatic solutions, such as those being used in North Korea, must be used in an attempt to de-escalate the rhetoric and defuse the conflict.

- The Security Council must look at other options to war for holding Saddam Hussein to account for his disregard for human rights and international cooperation and a potential failure to comply with Resolution 1441. These include the use of "smart sanctions" targeted at the governmental elite.

- Non-governmental organizations working in Iraq and the region ought to be included in the process of seeking peaceful solutions to the current situation. Such organizations often have a deep understanding of the regional situation, the potential impact of a war, and the potential for resolution.

- Canada should play a leadership role in calling for a special meeting of the General Assembly which will attempt to resolve the crisis in a manner which is consistent with the UN Charter.

When the United Nations was founded in 1945, a system of collective security was erected in order to prevent a repeat of the horrors of war that were witnessed in World War II. Such a system needs the support and adherence of all UN Member States to be effective, and is currently in serious danger. The United Nations Association in Canada calls on Canada and all UN Member States to reaffirm their support for the United Nations as the legitimate mechanism for resolving international crises.