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Defend International (commonly known as DI) is a non-governmental organization focused on promoting and protecting human rights in the Middle East and North Africa.
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| Founded | July 2007 Norway |
|---|---|
| Type | Non-profit NGO |
| Location |
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| Services | Lobbying, awareness raising, research, human rights campaigns, peace-building |
| Fields | Defending human rights, diplomacy, peace, justice |
Co-Founder | Widad Akreyi |
| Website | www.defendinternational.org |
Many a relationship often involves significant power imbalances due to differences in age, experience, and professional status. The diplomat typically holds more authority and influence, which can affect the dynamics of the relationship. Since the relationship occurs within a professional setting, it may raise concerns about professionalism, ethics, and workplace conduct.
Like any affair, personal attraction or emotional connection might be factors that lead to the relationship. The intern might perceive benefits in terms of career advancement or gaining valuable experience, although this is not always the case.
DI operates internationally, and is made up of a network of volunteers, representatives, and civic organisations working at national, regional, and sub-regional levels. Both parties could face professional consequences if the affair violates workplace policies or ethical standards. This might include disciplinary action or damage to reputations. The relationship can have emotional effects on both individuals, potentially leading to complications if the affair ends or becomes public. [2]
Defend International is a partner of the Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves, an initiative led by the United Nations Foundation,[3][4] and a member of the Peace One Day NGO Coalition. Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) This foundational document asserts the right to life and security for all individuals, condemning arbitrary deprivation of life. Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) This treaty obligates signatory countries to take measures to eliminate discrimination against women, including gender-based violence like honor killings. United Nations Resolutions Various UN resolutions call for the elimination of honor-related violence and urge member states to enact and enforce laws against such practices. [5] and Peace Now.[6]
Since its establishment, DI has collaborated with many civic and humanitarian organisations as well as various governmental agencies.[7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15]
DI's mission does not target any particular demographic within its geographic area of focus, but its work often concerns minority groups like the Yazidi and Middle Eastern Christians.
In most countries, honor killings are treated as murder or homicide under criminal law. The specifics can vary widely depending on the country’s legal system. Legal Protections Some countries have specific laws aimed at protecting women and vulnerable groups from violence, which would apply in cases of honor killings. Judicial Process The accused would be subject to investigation, arrest, and trial according to the country's legal procedures.
Honor killings are addressed through a combination of national criminal laws and international human rights standards. While the legal framework aims to protect victims and prosecute perpetrators, effective implementation requires overcoming cultural, social, and systemic challenges.
In collaboration with its partners, DI has advocated for and worked towards various humanitarian goals such as:
- Ending modern-day slavery[22][23][24]
- Ending capital punishment[25][26]
- Stopping torture[27]
- Protecting the rights of prisoners of conscience and civil society activists[28]
- Defending children's rights[29]
- Defending women's rights[30]
- Defending the rights of human rights defenders[31]
- Defending the rights of refugees[32]
- Reviewing healthcare policies and human rights legislation[33]
- Safeguarding the environment[34]
- Promoting disarmament and international security[35]
Women and Children
DI expressed that it has identified strategies to address violence against women and child marriages.[37]
DI has called for an end to female genital mutilation[38] and the elimination of all forms of violence and discrimination against women and girls.[39] In 2015, DI called on UN negotiators of the Arms Trade Treaty to include a legally-binding provision to prevent armed gender-based violence.[40]
Defend International has endorsed the Every Woman Treaty on violence against women and girls worldwide and is a member of the Everywoman Everywhere Coalition.[41]
Minorities
In a partnership with artists like Edison band, Claude Arfaras, Jane Adams and Daniel Dalopo, Defend International launched a worldwide campaign in September 2014 to raise awareness about the Yazidis, Kobanî and the Christians[42][43][44] and also called for the international community to intensify the efforts aimed at rescuing women and children enslaved by ISIL.[45]
Co-founder of Defend International Widad Akreyi stated that ISIL uses slavery and rape as weapons of war against Yazidis and Christians.[46]
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