Hans-Christof von Sponeck

Sponeck studied history, demography, and physical anthropology in Germany and the United States and joined the UN Development Programme in 1968, working in Pakistan and elsewhere.

Sponeck and Halliday wrote an article for The Guardian explaining their position, accusing the sanctions regime of violating the Geneva Conventions and other international laws and causing the death of thousands of Iraqis.

[4] He was equally critical of the "smart sanctions" policy[clarification needed] several years later: "What is proposed at this point in fact amounts to a tightening of the rope around the neck of the average Iraqi citizen.

His earlier work as a resident representative in Pakistan and elsewhere, led to him becoming, like Halliday, a highly respected figure within the UN.

After his resignation, he sought funds for his anti-sanctions work from firms seeking to do business with Iraq.