Irene Fernandez

Overview

Irene Fernandez born Kedah, Malaysia April 18, 1942 (d. 2014). Malaysian human rights activist. Founded Tenaganita (“Women Force”), 1991. Arrested for exposing torture and abuse of immigrants, 1996; given one year sentence, released on bail. Received Right Livelihood Award, 2005.

Quotations

"[T]here is no such thing as ‘illegal’ human beings. For me, the whole world belongs to all of us. We are one earth." (Sun Daily, July 30, 2005)