DI member organisation: Baran Art Association based in Japan holds its art festival in Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum which is one of the first galleries in Japan. Over 500 artists from around the globe are invited to display their art works at the event.

A new UN Security Council resolution on sexual violence is currently being discussed by NGOs, UN member states, and UN agencies. This new resolution is expected to be debated and voted on by the Security Council on 19 June 2008. Defend International President is involved in lobbying and advocacy activities aimed at securing the needed votes to pass the resolution.

DI member organisation: Bahrain Youth Society for Human Rights is launching a national campaign against torture in Bahrain.

Defend International was concerned about a ship carrying arms to Zimbabwe. Dr Widad urged the Nowegian insurance company, Assuranceforeningen Skuld, to disassociate itself from the sale of arms to Zimbabwe and encourages others to adopt the same approach. President and Chief Executive Officer of Skuld declared that the ship wasn’t insured if it carried an illegal cargo.