The United Nations Secretary-General has paid tribute to "human rights giant" Asma Jahangir following her death by cardiac arrest at the weekend, praising her courage in campaigns for justice and equality for all. Antonio Guterres issued his "heartfelt condolences" to those grieving the 66-year-old lawyer, who co-founded the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan and also once served as UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Iran.
"We have lost a human rights giant," the UN chief said in a statement released after Jahangir's death was announced on Sunday. "She was a tireless advocate for inalienable rights of all people and for equality - whether in her capacity as a lawyer in the domestic justice system, as a global civil society activist, or as a Special Rapporteur. Asma was brilliant, deeply principled, courageous and kind."