As the World marks the 2015 International Day Against Death Penalty, Defend International announces the launch of the campaign “Towards Abolition of Death Sentence and Enhanced Protection of Human Rights in Iran” to call on the Iranian authorities to review hanging and the human rights situation in light of International Human Rights Law. “On today’s World Day Against the Death Penalty, we urge the Iranian authorities to adopt a complete ban on public hangings and all forms of violence against everybody,” said Dr. Widad, co-founder of Defend International.
Join Us: Sign #UpForSchool Petition
Congratulations to our colleagues at A World at School for their success with the #UpForSchool Petition which demands a world where every child can go to school and learn. Today Dr. Widad mailed a letter to DI network asking them to sign the petition.
Syria: DI Calls For Release Of Two Kidnapped Church Leaders
Defend International has appealed for the release of two archbishops kidnapped in Syria over two years ago. Co-founder of Defend International, Dr. Widad, appealed today to all governments, parliaments, the United Nations, the International Red Cross, NGOs and all those who uphold the principles of human rights and justice to 1) issue a global call on the kidnappers to release the archbishops unconditionally; and 2) use all means at their disposal to ensure that the archbishops are released as soon as possible.
Refugee Crisis: Minutes of Mourn for Alan Kurdi and Others
People across the world will be taking a moment of prayer or silence to remember Aylan Kurdi, his brother, his mother, their loved-ones, 1000s of children who have lost their lives fleeing armed conflicts and over 2,500 refugees who have died this summer attempting to cross the Mediterranean to Europe.