Defend International and Unge for Menneskerettigheder Denmark will be hosting “2008 Global Week of Action Against Gun Violence: Effect of Guns on Women’s Lives.” The event will take place in Copenhagen on 5 June 2008. Guest speaker is the Danish author Ms. Lillian Simonsen.

A child suffering from leukaemia wasn’t able to receive proper treatment in Iraq. Defend International contacted His Majesty in Jordan and asked for his help, and thanks to Jordan’s generosity she is now on the road to recovering. In a formal letter, Dr. Widad Akreyi extended her heartfelt thanks to His majesty King Abdullah II.

Defend International co-founder Dr Widad was invited as a gust speaker to an event held at Falster Hotel by Rotary International in Denmark. She talked about violations of human rights in Iraq under the previous regime and drew attention to the importance of upholding and complying with human rights and fundamental freedoms.

In February 2008, the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings became legally binding. Dr. Widad welcomed the entry into force of the Convention, noting that this is a major step forward in the fight against this modern form of slavery.