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.
DI joins 2010 Global Week of Action Against Gun Violence
Defend International has joined other NGOs in 110 countries to mark the Global Week of Action Against Gun Violence, 10 – 16 May. As part of Defend International’s activities during the week, Dr. Widad is lobbying the governments in the MENA region.
Syria: Arbitrary Detention of Leading Human Rights Activist
Defend International (DI) has been informed by reliable sources of the case of Mr. Abdul Al-Rahman, a leading human rights activist in Syria. DI believes he is a prisoner of conscience, detained solely for his peaceful human right activities.
Iran: Mr. Hossein Khezri Was Executed
Defend International was informed by reliable sources that Mr. Hossein Khezri, a Kurdish political activist was at imminent risk of execution on 14 April 2010. Unfortunately he was executed on 15 January 2011, and neither his family nor his lawer were given prior warning.