Hina Jilani, born on December 19, 1953, is a distinguished legal professional and human rights advocate currently serving as a member of the Supreme Court of Pakistan. Hailing from Lahore, Punjab, Jilani has significantly contributed to the legal landscape of Pakistan and has played a pivotal role in advancing the cause of human rights.
One of her noteworthy accomplishments is co-founding Pakistan’s pioneering all-women law firm. This groundbreaking initiative not only marked a significant milestone in promoting gender equality within the legal profession but also served as an inspiration for aspiring women lawyers. Additionally, Jilani has been instrumental in establishing Pakistan’s first legal aid center, underscoring her commitment to ensuring access to justice for marginalized and underserved communities.
Furthermore, Hina Jilani is a key figure in the formation of the Women’s Action Forum, an organization dedicated to addressing gender-based issues and advocating for women’s rights in Pakistan. Through her involvement in this forum, she has actively participated in initiatives aimed at challenging discriminatory practices and fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.
Early Life and Education
Hina Jilani, a native of Pakistan, was both born and raised in the country. Her legal journey commenced in 1979, a period during which Pakistan was under martial law. Despite the challenging socio-political circumstances of the time, Jilani embarked on her legal career, demonstrating resilience and a deep-seated commitment to the pursuit of justice.
Commencing her legal practice during a period marked by martial law underscores Jilani’s dedication to the principles of law and justice, even in the face of heightened political constraints. Her decision to enter the legal profession during such a pivotal era speaks volumes about her determination to contribute to the legal landscape and advocate for human rights, irrespective of the prevailing challenges in the country.
Career
In February 1980, Hina Jilani, alongside her sister Asma Jahangir, co-founded Lahore’s AGHS Legal Aid Cell (ALAC), Pakistan’s first all-female legal aid practice. Initially focused on aiding women, ALAC expanded to encompass legal education, protection from exploitation, research, and counseling. Jilani’s contributions extend to founding the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan and the Women’s Action Forum in 1980, and Pakistan’s first legal aid center in 1986.
In 1991, she contributed to establishing Dastak, a women’s shelter organizing workshops on human rights and women’s protection. Internationally, Jilani is affiliated with entities like the United Nations Human Rights Council, the Carter Center, and the UN Conference on Women. In 2019, the UK Foreign Office appointed her to a panel developing global legal frameworks for press freedom.
Role at United Nations
From 2000 to 2008, Hina Jilani served as the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Human Rights Defenders. During this tenure, she was also appointed to the International Commission of Inquiry on Darfur in 2006.
In 2009, Jilani took on a crucial role as a member of the United Nations Fact Finding Mission on the Gaza Conflict.
Her dedication to global issues continued in 2017 when she co-chaired the World Health Organization/Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights High-Level Working Group on the Health and Human Rights of Women, Children, and Adolescents alongside Tarja Halonen.
Threats
Due to their unwavering commitment to women’s activism, Hina Jilani and her sister Asma Jahangir have faced severe repercussions, including arrests, death threats, intimidation, and public abuse. Both women, along with their family members, have been subjected to murder attempts.
In 1999, following their involvement in the case of Samia Sarwar, they received death threats. During an encounter at Jilani’s office, Sarwar was tragically shot dead by a gunman who had accompanied her mother under the guise of seeking reconciliation. Jilani, targeted in the attack, narrowly escaped harm.
Additionally, gunmen entered Jilani’s residence on another occasion, threatening her family members. Despite the escalating threats and pressure to migrate, Jilani remains steadfast in her commitment, choosing to continue living and working in Lahore. These incidents underscore the profound challenges and risks faced by advocates like Jilani in their pursuit of justice and human rights.