The governments in the MENA region need to sign the new treaty banning cluster bombs and become part of the international consensus against this weapon said Defend International today at the start of a global week of action against cluster bombs. “Actions speak louder than words and that’s why we need countries in the MENA region to sign the Convention on Cluster Munitions without delay,” said Dr. Widad.

Defend International has been informed by reliable sources about the confirmation in appeal of the death sentence against Mr. Habibollah Latifi who was condemned to death after having been accused of “endangering state security”.

During a well-attended women’s conference held in Qunitera, DI members in Morocco called for the elimination of social, cultural, political and economic discrimination against women. “Women have the right to equal treatment and to make decisions free from discrimination,” said DI president Ms. Widad Akrawi.