Irene Fernandez facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Irene Fernandez
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Fernandez in 2008
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| Personal details | |
| Born |
Irene Fernandez
18 April 1946 Malaysia |
| Died | 31 March 2014 (aged 67) Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia |
| Citizenship | Malaysian |
| Political party | People's Justice Party |
| Residence | Malaysia |
| Occupation | Human rights activist Politician |
| Awards | Right Livelihood Award |
Irene Fernandez (born April 18, 1946 – died March 31, 2014) was a brave Malaysian woman. She was known for being a human rights activist and a politician. This means she worked hard to protect people's basic rights and also took part in government.
Irene was a leader in the People's Justice Party. She also helped start an organization called Tenaganita. This group works to protect the rights of people who move to Malaysia for work (migrant workers) and those seeking safety (refugees).
Fighting for Migrant Workers' Rights
In 1995, Irene Fernandez wrote a report about the difficult lives of migrant workers. Her report was called "Abuse, Torture and Dehumanised Conditions of Migrant Workers in Detention Centres." It showed how badly some workers were treated in places where they were held.
The report shared information about workers who had died from diseases in a detention camp. Irene wanted everyone to know about these problems. She believed that all people, no matter where they come from, deserve to be treated with respect.
Her Legal Battle for Justice
Because she spoke out, Irene was arrested in 1996. She was accused of 'maliciously publishing false news'. This meant the government claimed she was lying. Her trial lasted for seven years.
In 2003, she was found guilty and sentenced to one year in prison. However, she was released on bail while she appealed the decision. Because of this, she could not travel outside Malaysia. She also could not run for election in 2004.
Irene kept fighting the charges. In 2008, a judge finally overturned her conviction. This meant she was found innocent, and the thirteen-year case against her was over. She was free!
Recognized for Her Important Work
In 2005, Irene Fernandez received a special award called the Right Livelihood Award. This award is given to people who do amazing things to help others. She won it for her "outstanding and courageous work to stop violence against women and abuses of migrant and poor workers."
This award showed the world how important Irene's work was. She dedicated her life to making sure everyone was treated fairly.
Irene Fernandez passed away on March 31, 2014, due to heart failure. She is remembered as a hero who fought for justice and human rights in Malaysia.
