IDLO acknowledges with profound sorrow the untimely loss of Asma Jahangir, esteemed Pakistani lawyer and human rights activist who passed away in her native Lahore on February 11, 2018.
The founding chairwoman of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan and the first woman President of the Pakistan Supreme Court Bar Association, Ms. Jahangir dedicated her life to defending the rights of women, a cause that IDLO also strives to promote through its work on women’s empowerment and increased women’s involvement in the justice sector.
She spoke out tirelessly and fearlessly against all forms of oppression and abuses of power across the globe, defending the rights of religious minorities and other vulnerable or marginalized groups, among others.
Ms. Jahangir also made a notable contribution to the work of the United Nations, having served in a number of key roles, including as Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions and as Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, one of the very few women to have held such roles, as highlighted by the Gqual campaign which IDLO actively supports.
IDLO is deeply saddened by the demise of such a courageous advocate of the rule of law. We will be forever grateful for her inspiring example and take comfort in the knowledge that her words and actions will remain as an inspiration to future generations of justice champions.
Pakistan has been a Member Party of IDLO since 2015 and currently serves on the organization’s Standing Committee.
Photo credit: Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Iran Asma Jahangir. UN Photo/Jean-Marc Ferré