Asma Jahangir, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on human rights in Iran, passed away on Sunday morning at the age of 66. According to Radio Mashaal, the Pakistan section of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Ms. Jahangir died of a heart attack. She had been serving as the UN Special Rapporteur on Iran since November 2016, following the end of Ahmad Shahid's mission, and had criticized the human rights situation in Iran in several reports. Asma Jahangir was a well-known Pakistani lawyer and human rights activist, and the founder of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan. She served as the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion and belief from 2004 to 2010. Ms. Jahangir had also received several international awards in the field of human rights. According to AFP, Asma Jahangir's daughter stated that a date for her funeral has not yet been set. The news of Ms. Jahangir's death has received widespread coverage in the media of Pakistan and India. In this context, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, the Prime Minister of Pakistan, expressed his condolences over Ms. Jahangir's passing and praised her role in establishing the rule of law and protecting human rights. Malala Yousafzai, a civil rights activist and the youngest Nobel Peace Prize laureate, also tweeted that the best way to honor Asma Jahangir is to 'continue her fight for human rights and democracy.'
Asma Jahangir, UN Special Rapporteur on Iran, Passes Away
Asma Jahangir, a prominent human rights advocate and UN Special Rapporteur on Iran, has died at 66 from a heart attack. Her work focused on human rights issues in Iran, and her passing has prompted condolences from notable figures including the Prime Minister of Pakistan and Malala Yousafzai. Jahangir's legacy in human rights advocacy highlights the ongoing struggles within Iran.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
Asma Jahangir, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Iran, passed away from a heart attack at the age of 66. She was known for her critical stance on Iran's human rights situation and her advocacy for justice and equality.
- Jahangir served as the UN Special Rapporteur on Iran since November 2016.
- She was a well-known Pakistani lawyer and human rights activist.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Asma Jahangir was a leading figure in human rights advocacy, known for her fearless criticism of governments and her efforts to promote justice and equality. Her role as the UN Special Rapporteur on Iran highlighted the ongoing human rights challenges in the country.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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