FOR FREEDOM. A group of media practitioners, artists, and press freedom and freedom of expression advocates hold placards during a press conference. The group shares issues on attacks on freedom of expression and opinion in the country in time for the official visit of Irene Khan, UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Opinion and Expression. Manny Palmero
United Nations Special Rapporteur (UNSR) freedom of opinion and expression Irene Khan is set to make an official visit to the Philippines from Jan. 23 to Feb. 2.
According to the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights website, Khan will examine, in the spirit of cooperation and dialogue, the situation of the rights to freedom of opinion and expression in the country
The UNSR invited civil society, human rights organizations, media organizations, experts and academics, other stakeholders, and individuals to share any information on the national normative framework, freedom of the media, internet freedom, and freedom of expression.
Khan assumed office on Aug. 1, 2020, and became the first woman to hold the position since the establishment of the mandate in 1993.
She is an internationally recognized advocate for human rights, gender equality, and social justice.
Born in Bangladesh, she studied at Manchester University and Harvard Law School.
Khan started her professional career with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, working for 21 years at the UN headquarters and in various country operations, including Chief of Mission in India and Deputy Director, Division of International Protection.
She has received several awards, including the Sydney Peace Prize in 2006, for her contribution to human rights.
