Irene Zubaida Khan Closed Now

Irene Zubaida Khan (born 1956) is a Bangladeshi lawyer and global human rights leader whose work has significantly influenced the fields of human rights, transitional justice, and international governance. She became the first woman and the first Asian to serve as Secretary-General of Amnesty International (2001–2009), where she played a pivotal role in expanding the organization’s focus to include economic and social rights alongside civil and political freedoms.

During her leadership at Amnesty International, Khan emphasized the role of transitional justice in addressing past atrocities and building sustainable peace. She supported truth commissions, accountability mechanisms, and reparations for victims in post-conflict societies, recognizing that justice and reconciliation are essential for long-term stability. Under her tenure, Amnesty also expanded its campaigns against gender-based violence, poverty as a human rights issue, and the protection of marginalized communities.

Khan’s international career began at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), where she worked for over two decades. She rose to the position of Deputy Director of International Protection, dealing with issues of forced displacement, refugee rights, and post-conflict recovery—all areas closely tied to transitional justice. Her UNHCR experience deepened her expertise in addressing the rights of displaced populations, often among the most vulnerable groups in transitional contexts.

After leaving Amnesty, Khan served as Director-General of the International Development Law Organization (IDLO) (2012–2019), where she focused on strengthening the rule of law in fragile and conflict-affected states. In 2020, she was appointed United Nations Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, a role in which she continues to highlight the importance of justice, truth, and inclusive governance in societies emerging from conflict.

Throughout her career, Khan has been an outspoken advocate for linking human rights, transitional justice, and inclusive development. Her writings, including the book The Unheard Truth: Poverty and Human Rights (2009), reinforce her vision of justice that is holistic, addressing both past abuses and structural inequalities