August 2000 marks the 10th year of the U.S.-led UN sanctions against Iraq, the most comprehensive trade blockade ever imposed in history, and the greatest social disaster of our time. Contrary to popular belief, the Gulf War has never ended.

Washington continues to bomb Iraq almost daily, terrorizing a civilian population still devastated by war damage and on the brink of collapse due to brutal economic sanctions. According to the UN, the gravity of the humanitarian situation (in Iraq) is indisputable and cannot be overstated.

UNICEF reports that over 1.5 million people in Iraq have died since 1990, and hundreds of children are dying each day as a direct result of the US/UN sanctions-from the lack of clean water, medicines, and food. The sanctions have bankrupted Iraq’s once prosperous economy, and prevent Iraq from importing chlorine, sewer pipe, all construction materials, medical supplies, and even school books. Imagine if the 27 million people of California were suddenly cut off from international trade after the destruction of war?

Clinton, Albright, Gore, and others responsible for the massive poverty, suffering, and deaths of millions in Iraq will be in Los Angeles to attend the Democratic Convention. The Coalition to Save the Iraqi Children is planning to break the conspiracy of silence on this policy of genocide against the people of Iraq by rallying on Tuesday August 15, 5:00 p.m. at the Staples Center, llth Street and Figueroa. Please join the Coalition to draw public attention and accountability to this dire situation. The blood of Iraqi children is on our hands U.S. taxpayers finance the U.S. naval blockade and constant aerial bombardment that enforces the sanctions.

Call the Coalition to Save the Iraqi Children for more information and updates on logistics at 213-387-9220. Supporters: International Action Center, Fellowship of Reconciliation, Reverend James Lawson, Veterans for Peace, South Central Solidarity, James Lafferty (National Lawyers Guild), International Socialist Organization, American Friends Service Committee, Michel Shehadeh (American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee), Blase and Theresa Bonpane (Office of the Americas).