US sanctions against Iran is immoral

THE Association for Community and Dialogue supports the Iranian government’s continuous efforts since July 16, 2018 in taking the United States to task by filling a lawsuit with the Hague-based International Court of Justice (ICJ) against the US, mainly based on the 1955 Treaty of Amity signed between the two sides

The basis of filling the case was to get the court to overturn US sanctions that are destroying the Iranian economy and ruining millions of lives.

This case is important for global justice, not just because the 1955 treaty has been violated or the United States has reneged on the Iran nuclear deal.

It has catastrophic humanitarian implications where a nation is strangled inhumanely, even during the current Covid-19 pandemic, for geopolitical reasons.

The Iranian government would need to engage in significant trade to support its suffering population.

Preventing a sovereign nation to adequately meet the needs of its people is utterly immoral.

The Iranian case against the United States also has another important dimension.

Can a powerful nation bypass international bodies such as the International Atomic Energy Agency, renege on the Iran nuclear deal, ignore vital collective decision-making process of the United Nations Security Council, and impose sanctions unilaterally against a sovereign nation?

Powerful nations, whether it is US, China or Russia, must adhere to international law.

The Covid-19 crisis should steer world powers to stop their geopolitical hegemonic designs and work towards what is essential, which is to protect the poor and vulnerable citizens globally.

Ronald Benjamin

Secretary Association for Community and Dialogue

Ipoh