Defend International attended the UN Fourth Biennial Meeting of States to consider the implementation of the Programme of Action to prevent, combat, and eradicate the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons in all its aspects, which was held in New York in June 2010! Dr. Widad addressed the 2010 BMS underlining the importance of a culture of peace. She also participated in the UN General Assembly Interactive Hearings with NGOs, attending as an accredited observer.

On 10 December 2009 Defend International members in Iraq marked the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights through different activities, including an exhibition displaying photographs covering a gamut of categories.