Sara Khan has been awarded a DBE in the 2022 New Years Honours List in recognition of her long-standing counter extremism work.
Citation: Lately Lead Commissioner, Commission for Countering Extremism. For services to Human Rights and Counter Extremism.
In a statement Sara said,
“I am delighted to be receiving this honour in recognition of my contribution to the important field of counter extremism. As the proud daughter of Pakistani Muslim immigrants who came to Britain in the 1960s and who always encouraged me to contribute positively to our society, I am truly touched and humbled to be awarded the DBE.
“Countering extremism is incredibly difficult and challenging and this is something I have learnt through my own personal and professional experience. At a time when activists are too often belittled and attacked, I am re-assured to see that our country and honours system values such work. This work is vital in upholding and defending our democratic values and institutions, which extremists threaten to undermine.
“I would like to thank my family and all those who have supported and worked with me over the last 15 years both in the early years at a grassroots NGO level and latterly driving policy solutions as part of my role in public life. I will continue to play my part in countering extremism and championing human rights.”
The full citation for the high award as published on Gov.UK:
Sara Khan has dedicated her personal and professional life challenging extremism in Britain. Championing human rights and defending democratic values, she has shown exceptional integrity and courage despite threats to her life. Recently made the PM’s Independent Adviser on Social Cohesion and Resilience to work against the impact of extremism in communities, she has spent the last 15 years leading a nationwide dialogue to build understanding of extremism in all its forms, driving forward change from within communities and institutions, and at the highest levels of policymaking. In 2018 she became the first Lead Commissioner for Countering Extremism, building an innovative commission that engages widely across the UK and providing HMG with independent advice and cutting-edge policy solutions.