Martin Ennals Award Patrons

Irene Khan

Irene Khan is an international thought leader on human rights and humanitarian issues. From 2001 - 2009 she was Secretary General of Amnesty International, the first woman, Asian and Muslim to head this organization, expanding Amnesty’s work on economic, social and cultural rights, and launching a global campaign to stop violence against women. Prior to joining Amnesty International, she worked with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees for 21 years. Irene Khan is the recipient of several honorary degrees and awards, including the Sydney Peace Prize. Her book, The Unheard Truth: Poverty and Human Rights was published by Norton in 2009 and has been translated into six languages.