TEHRAN -- "After the September 11 catastrophe, wrath and violence, the people of the world desired justice, unity and compassion, but the sound of war and aggression is still heard from the major powers," said Fatemeh Karrubi, the chairperson of the Arbitration Board of the International Union of Muslim Women (IUMW).

According to the IUMW Public Relations Office, Mrs. Karrubi speaking at the fifth meeting of the Arbitration Board of the IUMW in Thailand on Sunday, said that the situation in Afghanistan and the brutal suppression of the Palestinian people are the true mirror of the suffering of women and children, who had always suffered throughout history.

She added that the inhuman treatment of women and the regional crisis are continuing, in violation of international conventions and treaties.

Karrubi also expressed hope that, as the representative of Muslim women, the IUMW would defend their identity by establishing organizations and cultural institutes.