Tehran: The Secretary-General of the Human Rights Headquarters, Nasser Seraj, has declared that imposing unjust sanctions on Iran, particularly those affecting medical supplies, constitutes a severe violation of human rights and is akin to a crime against humanity. Seraj emphasized that these sanctions, motivated by political agendas, inflict significant harm on ordinary citizens and patients, especially those with special needs.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Seraj described the unilateral US sanctions as a blatant example of human rights violations. He highlighted the adverse effects these sanctions have on Iran’s healthcare system, particularly impacting patients with rare and special conditions. The sanctions’ direct and indirect detrimental impacts on healthcare access have been identified as one of the most severe examples of human rights abuses.

Seraj referenced a report by the Special Rapporteur on the negative impact of unilateral coercive measures, which outlines the grave consequences of these sanctions on the right to health. The report underscores the significant challenges faced by the Iranian population in obtaining necessary medicine and medical equipment due to these sanctions.

The sanctions not only contravene the right to health, as outlined in the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, but they also endanger the lives of thousands of Iranians. According to Seraj, many patients are facing life-threatening situations as the sanctions obstruct timely access to essential medical supplies.

Despite the provision that sanctions should not impact the availability of medicines and medical supplies, their delivery to Iran has been drastically reduced. The sanctions affect financial institutions, shipping companies, and insurance providers, creating significant barriers to international payments and, consequently, the supply of necessary medical resources to Iran.