The late lawyer and human rights activist Asma Jahangir was posthumously awarded the 2018 United Nations Human Rights Prize.
Her award, given by General Assembly President Maria Fernanda Espinosa Garces was received by the late lawyer's daughter Munize Jahangir at a ceremony held at the UN General Assembly, New York.
Many remember Pakistani lawyer Asma Jahangir as “a giant” in the global human rights movement. Learn about her fearless contributions to #humanrights & why she’s one of this year’s UN Human Rights Prize winners: https://t.co/1xI0gHFyNL #StandUp4HumanRights pic.twitter.com/qAz4VvXwq7
— UN Human Rights (@UNHumanRights) December 18, 2018
The activist passed away at the age of 66 in Lahore due to cardiac arrest on February 11 this year. She was the former president of Supreme Court Bar Association. For her participation in the restoration of political and fundamental rights during the military regime, Jahangir was put under house arrest.
Months after her death, General Assembly president announced in October that Jahangir was among the four winners to be receiving the prestigious award. Others who received the prize are Tanzanian activist Rebeca Gyumi, Brazil’s first indigenous lawyer Joenia Wapixana and Ireland’s human rights organisation Front Line Defenders.
In accordance with a resolution of the General Assembly, the Human Rights Prize is awarded every five years.
Congratulations to the winners of the @UN Human Rights Prize 2018: @RebecaGyumi of #Tanzania; Joênia Wapichana of #Brazil; @FrontLineHRD of #Ireland & @Asma_Jahangir (posthumously) of #Pakistan. Your courage is an inspiration to millions around the world #StandUp4HumanRights pic.twitter.com/ad6QAmiqaa
— UN Human Rights (@UNHumanRights) December 18, 2018
