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    Irene Khan

    Irene Khan

    Awards & Honours

    0

    Awards Won

    2

    Honours

    1

    Rankings

    2

    Records

    Irene Khan's career is marked by unprecedented achievements in the field of human rights. Her election as the first female Secretary-General of Amnesty International in 2001 stands as a historic breakthrough for gender equality in international NGOs. Similarly, her appointment as the first woman to lead the UN Special Rapporteur mandate on freedom of expression highlights her pivotal role in shaping global free speech policies. These milestones are not just personal triumphs but represent significant shifts in the landscape of international advocacy.

    Irene Khan receiving an award

    Honours & Distinctions

    First Woman Secretary-General of Amnesty International

    Amnesty International·2001

    Historic appointment as the first female leader of the world's largest human rights organization.

    First Woman UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression

    United Nations·2020

    First woman appointed to the mandate promoting and protecting the right to freedom of opinion and expression.

    Rankings & Lists

    #92

    Most Famous People from Bangladesh

    iFANN Global Fame Rankings·2026

    Records & Feats

    First Female Secretary-General of Amnesty International

    Career Milestone·2001

    Broke the glass ceiling in 2001 as the first woman to lead the global human rights organization.

    First Female UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression

    Historic First·2020

    Appointed in 2020 as the first woman to hold this specific UN mandate.

    Awards & Honours: Irene Khan | iFANN Wiki | iFANN