As our ultimate INTENTION of 
'HUMANITY is the FIRST PRIORITY', 
we are pleased to re-publish the 'Appeal' 
by the name of 'People come first', 
published by 
Amnesty International (new window) 
on 18th March, 2003.

Amnesty International's 10-point appeal to all parties involved in possible military action in Iraq by © Terry J. Allen on 18/03/2003 MDE 14/022/2003

To protect the people caught up in the war in Iraq, Amnesty International calls on all the warring parties to commit themselves publicly to the following 10 points: 

1. Don't attack civilians

All parties must respect the laws of war by not targeting civilians, non-military infrastructure or media outlets. They must also take all necessary precautions to spare civilians, including by issuing warnings.

2. Don't use weapons that kill and maim indiscriminately

No one should ever use chemical, biological or nuclear weapons. No one should use anti-personnel land mines or cluster weapons. The long term effect of depleted uranium weapons on human healthy are unclear, and their use should therefore be avoided.

3. Treat civilian detainees fairly and humanely

Civilians who are captured must not be ill-treated or denied their rights.

4. Treat combatants according to the Geneva Conventions

Prisoners of war must not be ill-treated or denied their rights, or handed over to people who may abuse them. Combatants must not be subjected to unnecessary suffering. Efforts should be made to capture rather than kill them.

5. Prioritize the safety and needs of the Iraqi people

All those engaged in the conflict should ensure the security of civilians; women and particular ethnic and religous groups may be particularly vulnerable. The warring parties must also ensure that food, water, sanitation, medical care and other basic needs are made available to the population, and that humanitarian organizations are given free access.

6. Refugees and the internally displaced must be protected and helped

Neighbouring countries must keep their borders open and assist people fleeing Iraq. All countries should share the responsibility for refugees. The UN refugee agency should be given full access and cooperation.

7. Perpetrators of crimes under international law must be brought to justice

All those engaged in the conflict should adopt a comprehensive approach to bringing those responsible for war crimes, crimes against humanity or genocide to justice. No one should be able to hide behind the excuse that they were just following orders.

8. All parties should allow independent investigation of their conduct

All parties to the conflict should declare themselves ready to use the services of the International Humanitarian Fact-Finding Commission, under the Geneva Conventions, to investigate incidents where war crimes are alleged.

9. Human rights monitors should be deployed throughout Iraq as soon is practicable

Human rights monitors would aid protection of people's rights by addressing human rights cases and issues, and providing authoritative and timely information.

10. All parties must support the UN's humanitarian and human rights work

The international community should ensure that the UN can fulfil its humanitarian and human rights responsibilities in Iraq. The Security Council should monitor the adherence of all parties to international human rights and humanitarian law.