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Summary:
Since 1996, the Oil For Food Program (OFFP) has alleviated some of the worst effects of the 1991 Gulf-War international sanctions regime, but the humanitarian situation in Iraq (defined as an urgent need for food, shelter and basic health care) remains serious. While some improvements have been seen in nutrition, health services, water supply and sanitation, there is greater dependence on government services, and observers of the Iraq situation have identified disturbing health and nutrition problems affecting the civilian population. These have been tied to the consequences of war, sanctions, shortcomings of assistance, and the deliberate policies of the Iraqi regime. There seems to be a consensus that the current poor humanitarian situation inside Iraq could worsen during a conflict, though this would likely depend on the nature and duration of the conflict and the extent and quality of humanitarian assistance. Problems could arise from the following: malnutrition and disruption of food supplies, inadequate sanitation and clean water, and reduced health and medical care. The consequences of war in Iraq could also include a potential humanitarian emergency with population movements across borders or within Iraq itself. Given the challenge of current conditions in Iraq, U.N. agencies indicate that a conflict in Iraq would disrupt critical infrastructure, delivery of basic services, and food distribution with the potential of severe humanitarian consequences. Relief agencies are having to plan for humanitarian needs amid great uncertainty about conditions in the aftermath of conflict. In recent months many have continued to reiterate that contingency planning does not mean they assumed war was inevitable. The Department of Defense (DOD) has set up an Office of Reconstruction and Humanitarian Assistance as a central point for those involved in humanitarian and reconstruction efforts. The group has developed an operational concept for the delivery of aid, relief coordination, and a transitional distribution system. This office is coordinating efforts with other U.S. agencies, including USAID and the State Department. U.S. forces are pre-positioning food and relief aid near Iraq and making plans to deal with a possible humanitarian crisis. Several issues are of critical interest to Congress, including food security, implementation and coordination of assistance, humanitarian relief activities during war, the impact of population movements, and humanitarian and reconstruction efforts after war. The information in this report reflects the situation prior to the start of the war in Iraq and is current as of March 18, 2003. This report will not be updated. For further information, please see CRS Report RL31833, Iraq: Recent Developments in Humanitarian and Reconstruction Assistance.
