In a landmark development, Nayyab Ali, a famous Pakistani human rights defender and political expert, is officially on the list of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for the position of the UN’s special report on the situation of human rights defenders.
Talking to App Here on Wednesday, Nayyab Ali said the recognition confirms the UN’s obligation to equality and inclusion.
“This recognition is a reminder that the UN stands firm on universality and dignity for everyone. If I am appointed, I aim to strengthen the protection of human rights defenders, especially from the Gender Diverse Society facing violence and exclusion around the world,” she said.
The next phase of selection will be led by the special advisory group – consisting of representatives from Malawi, Republic Korea, North Macedonia, Guatemala and Türkiye, who would recommend candidates to the President of Human Rights Council for the final appointment during the 61st session.
Nayyab is currently serving as CEO of Transgender Rights Consultant’s Pakistan and a global Human Rights Fellow at Harvard University’s Carr Center.
She played a central role in the preparation of the Trans-People (Protection of Rights) law, 2018, and has received seven international awards, including Franco-German Prize for Human Rights and the Recest of Law (2020).
She added that shortlisting is being hailed as a historical achievement for Pakistan and a milestone for transient visibility and inclusion in the United Nations system.
This marks the first time in the UN history that a transgender woman has been on the list of such a high level according to the UN special procedural system, a milestone for inclusion and representation in global governance.
