ISLAMABAD: Nayyab Ali, a prominent Pakistani human rights defender and policy expert, has been officially shortlisted by the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for the position of UN Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights Defenders.

Expressing her gratitude, Nayyab Ali said the recognition underscores the UN’s commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.

“This acknowledgment reaffirms that the UN stands firm on universality and dignity for all. If appointed, I will work to strengthen protections for human rights defenders — particularly those from gender-diverse communities — who continue to face violence and exclusion around the world,” she said.

The next phase of the selection process will be overseen by the Special Consultative Group, comprising representatives from Malawi, the Republic of Korea, North Macedonia, Guatemala, and Türkiye, who will recommend candidates to the President of the Human Rights Council for final appointment during the 61st Session.

Nayyab currently serves as the Executive Director of Transgender Rights Consultants Pakistan and is a Global Human Rights Fellow at Harvard University’s Carr Center.

She was instrumental in drafting the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2018, and has received several international accolades, including the Franco-German Prize for Human Rights and the Rule of Law (2020).

She noted that her shortlisting is being celebrated as a historic milestone for Pakistan and a significant step toward transgender representation and inclusion within the United Nations system.

This marks the first time in UN history that a transgender woman has been shortlisted for such a high-level position under the UN Special Procedures system — a momentous achievement for global diversity and inclusion in governance.