Co-founder of Defend International, Dr Widad, attended the 52nd session of the Commission on the Status of Women, held at United Nations Headquarters in New York, from 25 February to 7 March 2008. Committed to gender equality, women’s empowerment and human rights, DI representatives joined thousands of other attendees from around the globe.

The Commission on the Status of Women, which is dedicated exclusively to gender equality and advancement of women, adopted agreed conclusions during its 52nd session.

Defend International warmly welcomes Australia’s recent apology to its indigenous peoples for the pain and indignity they endured under the Government’s past laws and policies. DI hopes this initiative will rekindle respect and recognition of Indigenous rights.

Defend International is supporting an Arms Trade Treaty to prevent and eradicate the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons. The UN Group of Governmental Experts on a global Arms Trade Treaty held its first session in New York on 11-15 February 2008. The GGE represents a historical step towards an international instrument to combat the rise in armed violence.