US body gives HR Award to Asma Jehangir

NEW YORK: United Nations Association of USA (UNA-USA) Leo Nevas Human Rights Task Force awarded Dr Asma Jahangir with 2011 Leo Nevas Human Rights Award.
Asma, former UN Special Rapporteur and prominent human rights lawyer, spoke to a large audience Wednesday about challenges she faced as an international monitor on human rights and as an activist promoting domestic reforms and rule of law in Pakistan.
“Asma Jahangir’s efforts to uphold respect for human rights in face of threats, intimidation, and attempts to silence her are an inspiration to all of us,” said Felice D Gaer, chair of Leo Nevas Human Rights Task Force. “As a courageous, internationally acclaimed human rights champion of the downtrodden, she has travelled to every corner of the globe to shine a light on abuse and raise awareness of all concerned members of the UN.
It is an honour to award the 2011 Leo Nevas Human Rights Award to Asma for her work as a UN Special Rapporteur and as Pakistan’s most celebrated human rights lawyer.” In addition to Dr. Jahangir’s presentation, event at Grand Hyatt in New York City featured acceptance of Leo Nevas Human Rights Youth Award by Karen Woodin-Rodriguez. She has worked to promote human rights in the Americas.

Source: The News http://www.thenews.com.pk/TodaysPrintDetail.aspx?ID=76786&Cat=2 – 10/11/2011