UN Photo/Jean-Marc Ferré
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres paid tribute to Pakistani human rights champion, who passed away in Lahore on Sunday, calling her a “human rights giant”
In addition to her lifelong struggles for rights of the victimized and marginalized segments, Asma Jahangir had also served as UN human rights special rapporteur.
“We have lost a human rights giant,” Guterres said in a statement.
“(The) news of the death of Asma Jahangir today is echoing within her native Pakistan and across the world,” he said .
“She was a tireless advocate for inalienable rights of all people and for equality – whether in her capacity as a Pakistani lawyer in the domestic justice system, as a global civil society activist, or as a Special Rapporteur,” the secretary-general added.
“Asma was brilliant, deeply principled, courageous and kind. I convey my heartfelt condolences to Asma’s family, friends and colleagues, including in the United Nations and civil society within which she was such a leader.
“Asma will not be forgotten,” Guterres said.
Pakistani-Americans expressed shock over the demise of Asma Jahangir and flooded the social media platforms with appreciation for fearless work for rights of women and minorities.
The Sindhi Association of North American (SANA) called Jahanagir a “human rights warrior.”
In a statement president of the association Mohammad Ali Mahar said Asma Jahangir was a “fearless warrior for the rule of law who did not care for her life when it came to resisting injustice or defending truth.”
“Asma Jahangir remained a beacon of resistance against injustice. In her death the world has lost one of the greatest crusaders for human rights and justice, whose void will take a long time to fill.”
