Asma Jahangir

Awards & Honours

Awards Won

Honours

Rankings

Covers

Records

Asma Jahangir's record of achievement in human rights is unparalleled in South Asia. She was the first Asian woman to receive the Martin Ennals Award, a distinction that highlighted her courage in defending the oppressed. Her 2005 Ramon Magsaysay Award, often considered Asia's Nobel Prize, recognized her tireless work in advancing justice and democracy. The 2014 Right Livelihood Award celebrated her incredible courage in defending the most vulnerable over three decades. These honors reflect a career defined by risk and resilience, setting a standard for human rights defenders worldwide.

AwardsAsma Jahangir won the Martin Ennals Award for Human Rights Defenders in 1995, the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2005, and the Right Livelihood Award in 2014. She was also honored with the Legion of Honour (Officer rank) by France and the Liberal International Prize for Freedom in 2000. Her contributions were recognized with honorary doctorates from several universities, including the University of California, Berkeley.

Honours & Distinctions

Legion of Honour (Officer)

French Government·2010

Awarded for contributions to human rights and democracy.

Honorary Doctorate

University of California, Berkeley·2005

Recognized for contributions to law and human rights.

Honorary Doctorate

Various Universities·2014

Multiple honorary degrees awarded for legal and social contributions.

Rankings & Lists

#100

TIME 100 Most Influential People

TIME Magazine·2018

Magazine Covers

The Nation

2018

Legacy of a Human Rights Icon

The New York Times

2018

Obituary: Fearless Pakistani Rights Activist

Records & Feats

First Woman President of Supreme Court Bar Association

Career Milestone·1998

Jahangir became the first woman to hold this position in Pakistan in 1998.

First Asian Woman Martin Ennals Awardee

Historic First·1995

She was the first Asian woman to receive the Martin Ennals Award for Human Rights Defenders in 1995.