ABSTRACT
The United Nations-imposed Iraqi sanctions were a clear manifestation of international law being applied in a punitive manner. The United States-led UN Coalition Forces, in seeking to end the aggression of Iraq against Kuwait, undertook a military campaign that commenced on 17 January 1991. Although the United Nations has busied itself with other tasks including human rights promotion, the decolonization process and the progressive development of international law; at its core, the UN was established to ensure the international peace. Iraq itself understood, when joining the United Nations that if it invaded a neighbouring State it could expect the wrath of the Security Council. The twelve-year period from 1991 to 2003 when the United Nations-imposed sanctions on Iraq were in place has left a dark page for the history of humanity. That the international community was party to, and stood by its ideals when, hundreds of thousands, if not millions, were killed, is reprehensible.
