Iraq: report exposes extent of civilian casualties

1.49.43pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 11th Nov 2003

Health organisation Medact have published a report today detailing the extent of civilian deaths caused by the Iraq war and its after effects. West Midlands MEP Liz Lynne, a vocal critic of the war, has welcomed this, saying that it illustrates the extent to which innocent civilians have been caught up in the "war with Saddam".

The report states that at least 21,000 people have been killed as a direct result of the war between 20 March and 20 October, with a top estimate of 55,000. Civilians are continuing to die as a result of the conflict due to limited access to clean water and sanitation, poverty, malnutrition and the disruption of health services, as well as continued terrorist attacks and being blown up by explosive remnants of war such as landmines and cluster bomblets.

Liz Lynne, who earlier this year met with World Health Officials in the European Parliament to discuss the alarming health situation in post-war Iraq, said:

"There is no denying that George Bush and Tony Blair completely underestimated the post-war situation and that many of the most pessimistic predictions have proven to be alarmingly accurate.

"This report highlights the appalling extent to which civilians continue to suffer in Iraq. While the rising US and UK military death toll is reported on a daily basis, civilian casualties since the war ended have been all but invisible.

"The future of Iraq is still unclear, but we have a responsibility now to ensure that the reconstruction of public services including health is fully funded and that the occupying forces carry out their obligation under the Geneva Convention to maintain law and order."

Related Link:

Medact report: Continuing Collateral Damage: The health and environmental costs of war on Iraq .