Founding Trustee

Tehmina Arora is a human rights advocate. As the Founding Trustee of ADF India and the Director of Advocacy, Asia for ADF International, she has played a pivotal role in championing the cause of religious freedom and fighting against discriminatory laws and policies.

Tehmina's journey in law began with her LLB degree from the Faculty of Law, Delhi University, complemented by a bachelor's degree in arts from Kamala Nehru College, Delhi University.

Tehmina played a critical role in setting up the first legal assistance center in the violence-hit district of Kandhamal, Odisha, an effort that extended vital legal support to victims in over 200 cases over the period of 2008-2011. Under Tehmina's leadership, ADF India has experienced remarkable growth and achievements. From its humble beginnings as a small legal aid center in Kandhamal, ADF India has expanded into a nationwide organization with 13 fully equipped Legal Aid Centers supported by over 300 allied lawyers.

Arora also played a key role in the establishment of the Christian Legal Association, a national network of Christian lawyers, and served as its General Secretary from 2005 to 2010.

Tehmina also previously served as a Senior Fellow, South and Southeast Asia Action Team, for the Religious Freedom Institute.

She continues to serve on the board of several charities, including the Religious Liberty Partnership.

Tehmina has written frequently on female foeticide and religious freedom in Asia and her articles have featured in national dailies in India and in various journals abroad.

In 2018, Arora was awarded the Champion of Human Rights Award by the Delhi Minority Commission for her services to the community. In 2010, she participated in the International Visitors Leadership Program, a prestigious professional exchange program of the US State Department.