Mourning the loss of Asma Jahangir (1952 – 2018)

We at Equality Now are deeply saddened at the passing of world renowned Pakistani human rights lawyer and social justice activist, Asma Jahangir.

Asma co-founded the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan and served as the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief. A fearless champion of women and children’s rights, democracy and religious freedom, her sudden death this past Saturday leaves a huge void in the international human rights community.

“Asma’s untimely passing is a shock and a huge loss to the women’s rights movement, and to me personally.  She was a mentor and an inspiration, having unparalleled courage to not back down from giving a voice to the most marginalized even when her own life was threatened.  We all mourn her passing, but celebrate her life!”
-Yasmeen Hassan, Global Executive Director, Equality Now

Among her many accomplishments, Asma co-founded the first law firm established by women in Pakistan, fought tirelessly against sex discriminatory laws and focused the world’s attention on the practice of “honor” killings.

This is indeed a sad day for women’s rights. Our deepest sympathies go out to Asma’s family, friends and colleagues.