Statement by the Director-General of the Arab Women Organization

9/8/2026

Prof. Dr. Fadia Kiwan, Director-General of the Arab Women Organization (AWO), has issued a strongly worded statement expressing profound grief over the escalating violence and repeated targeting of civilians across the Arab world.

The statement comes amid a dangerous surge in bombardment targeting civilians in Yemen’s Taiz Governorate—claiming dozens of innocent families, women, and children—alongside relentless attacks on civilian infrastructure in South Lebanon and systemic violence and abuses against residents in the West Bank.

She also conveyed the deep anxiety and anger felt by women in targeted Arab regions over the ongoing international silence. Questioning the reasons behind this inaction, the Director-General dismissed the idea that it stems from indifference, especially as global public opinion has become increasingly aware and indignant over continued blind violence against civilians. She called for vocal condemnation and urged continuous efforts by the United Nations to enforce International Humanitarian Law (IHL) on all belligerents and aggressors. She emphasized that under international legitimacy represented by the UN, the law of the jungle cannot be allowed to prevail, and war crimes will not remain unpunished.

Dr. Kiwan extended her salutations to the resilient women in every household and forced displacement center who endeavor to safeguard their children from bombardment and violence. Reaffirming her solidarity with them, she committed to raising her voice across all international forums to highlight the urgent necessity of ending these brutal aggressions and bringing the aggressors to justice.