Dr. Widad is supporting a global civil society initiative to help strengthen protection for the environment and those who depend on it. “Across the world, the lack of accountability for the harm to the environment and public health caused by conflict and military activities undermines global efforts to help fragile countries recover from armed conflicts,” she said.

Today is the International Day of Zero Tolerance of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). “I would like to reiterate my call for an end to this harmful practice. We, in Defend International, reiterate our call for an end to this harmful practice,” said Dr. Widad today.

Defend International marks the 5th anniversary of the Convention on Cluster Munitions Signing Conference in Oslo by having candle-lit vigils spilling “CCM 5” in Oslo and throughout the MENA region. As member of the CMC, DI thanked Norway for having hosted the signing conference and all countries that have signed or acceded the convention. “We hope that the remaining countries will follow soon,” said Dr. Widad. “By ratifying the treaty, they will become part of the international consensus against the use of these horrific weapons.”