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Amnesty International’s Secretary General becomes the University of Salford’s new Chancellor
Irene Zubaida Khan, Secretary General of Amnesty International - the world's most distinguished human rights organisation, has been appointed as the University of Salford's Chancellor.
She is the first woman, the first Asian and the first Muslim to lead Amnesty International, and took up her appointment eight years ago - in the organisation's 40th anniversary year - at a time when it began a process of change and renewal to address the complex nature of contemporary human rights violations.
Irene Khan reformed Amnesty International's response to crisis situations, personally leading high level missions to Pakistan, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Lebanon, Israel/Occupied Territories, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zimbabwe and Colombia. Deeply concerned about the erosion of human rights in the name of national security, she led a campaign to close Guantanamo prison camp and end human rights abuses associated with the War on Terror.
Acutely aware of the human rights problems faced by women and girls worldwide, she launched a global campaign by Amnesty International to stop violence against women. Recognising the significance of economic, social and cultural rights as well as political and civil rights, she encouraged Amnesty International to develop a holistic approach to human rights, culminating in May 2009 in the launch of a new campaign to Demand Dignity, focussing on human rights abuses related to poverty.
On accepting her new office, Irene Khan said: "I am delighted to be joining the University of Salford as their Chancellor and working closely with their new Vice-Chancellor, Professor Martin Hall, particularly given his commitment to human rights and diversity and his experience of political change and transformation during his time in South Africa."
Dr Alan Mawson, Chair of the Council said: "We are delighted that Irene Khan will become our Chancellor. Irene is hugely accomplished and respected worldwide for her great achievements in the field of human rights. She will be a great ambassador for the University, an exemplary role model for our students and her values, centred on the essential dignity of all humans and her defence of human rights, reflect those of the University."
Professor Martin Hall, who takes up the post of Vice-Chancellor of the University of Salford on 1 August, 2009, said: "Irene has set a high standard of monitoring human rights across the world, and understanding how the principles of social justice affect individuals and their communities. As she was a student in Manchester, joining us in Salford will be a reconnection with her roots, and an opportunity to connect the world stage with the issues of local community here in Salford."
Irene studied law at the University of Manchester and at Harvard Law School, specialising in public international law and human rights. She has received a number of academic awards, notably a Ford Foundation Fellowship and the Sydney Peace Prize in 2005. Prior to joining Amnesty International, Irene worked for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees for 21 years in various refugee operations and at Headquarters.
The formal constitutional role of the Chancellor is to confer degrees and awards of the University ceremonies and to preside over other important University meetings. As Chancellor, Irene will also be involved in other events with employees, students and graduates and will be an ambassador for the University around the world.
Irene Khan succeeds Professor Sir Martin Harris, who has been Chancellor of the University of Salford for five years.
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