United Nations Security Council Resolution 688

UN Security Council Resolution 688
Date:	5 April 1991
Meeting no.:	2,982
Code:	S/RES/688 (Document)
Vote:	For: 10 Abs.: 2 Against: 3
Subject:	Iraq
Result:	Adopted
Security Council composition in 1991:
permanent members:
CHN FRA RUS UK USA
non-permanent members:
AUT BEL CIV CUB ECU
IND ROU YEM ZAI ZIM
Iraqi northern and southern no-fly zones

United Nations Security Council Resolution 688, adopted on April 5, 1991, after receiving letters from the representatives of France, Iran and Turkey and expressing its concern over repression of the Iraqi people, including those in Iraqi Kurdistan, the Council condemned the repression and demanding that as Iraq, as a contribution to removing the threat to international peace and security, end the repression and respect the human rights of its population.

The Council insisted Iraq allow access by international humanitarian organisations to the areas affected, requesting the Secretary-General to report on the Iraqi and Kurdish populations affected by repression from the Iraqi authorities, using all resources possible to address the needs of the population. It also demanded Iraq co-operate with the Secretary-General and international organisations to assist in humanitarian aid efforts.

The resolution was adopted by 10 votes in favor, 3 votes against (Cuba, Yemen, and Zimbabwe), and two abstentions (the People's Republic of China and India).

France, the United Kingdom and United States used Resolution 688 to establish Iraqi no-fly zones to protect humanitarian operations in Iraq, though the resolution made no explicit reference to no-fly zones.

See also

• 1991 uprisings in Iraq
• Gulf War
• Invasion of Kuwait
• Iraqi no-fly zones
• List of United Nations Security Council Resolutions 601 to 700 (1987 – 1991)

External links

• Text of Resolution at UN.org (PDF)