AirAsia founder Tony Fernandes has joined Amnesty International’s global council, the international human rights NGO announced today.

Fernandes joins the ranks of luminaries such as entrepreneur Richard Branson, financier and philanthropist Krishna Rao, veteran pop artist Yoko Ono, social activist Hadeel Ibrahim and businessman Bassim Haidar.

The council was established in 2013 to help raise public support and the financial resources to fuel Amnesty's expansion in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East.

“It is an honour to welcome Tony Fernandes and his entrepreneurial spirit and creativity to our global council.

"Having such a notable business figure from Asia on the council will boost the visibility of Amnesty International and the human rights issues we focus on in Asia and around the world,” said Amnesty International secretary general Salil Shetty.

According to Amnesty, Fernandes has had a long association with the renowned human rights organisation.

“I joined Amnesty International when I was 13. Being a member taught me the importance of human rights to human dignity.

"I am therefore honoured to be able to give back to Amnesty International as part of its global council, and I look forward to creating awareness and driving engagement in Asia, particularly among Asean youth," Amnesty quoted Fernandes as saying.

Global council members serve as champions for Amnesty International within their own networks and help the organisation’s secretary general identify and engage new audiences to promote human rights.