South African human rights lawyer Navanethem “Navi” Pillay has won this year’s Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts to promote peace, and international law the Norwegian Nobel Committee has announced.
Praised the committee for her contribution to international justice and her commitment to human dignity as a source of hope for many who are striving for a more peaceful world. Committee chair Jorgens Watne Frydnes said she has helped to promote a more comprehensive global legal order through exceptional courage.
Born in Durban, Navi Pillay, 85, has worked in human rights, international law, and the pursuit of accountability for serious abuses for decades. She was the first woman to establish a law practice in the former Natal province in South Africa, in 1967.
During the apartheid era, she defended anti-apartheid activists in court, revealed cases of torture and gained important rights for prisoners held on Robben Island. Her legal work during this period helped to bring the apartheid system to an end and the rights of political prisoners were protected.
Following the end of apartheid, Pillay was appointed an acting judge of South Africa’s High Court in 1995. Also served on the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda. Served on the Rwanda tribunal for eight years, including four years as president. The tribunal was set up to prosecute those responsible for genocide and other serious violations of international humanitarian law in Rwanda.
Later on, she took on a senior role within the United Nations, as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights from 2008 to 2012. In this position, she was involved in international efforts to promote human rights and address abuses around the world. Recently, she chaired the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
Pillay is also serving as a judge at the International Court of Justice in a case concerning allegations that Myanmar committed genocide. The case is part of wider international legal efforts to establish accountability for alleged violations of the Genocide Convention.
Pillay’s Nobel Peace Prize recognizes a career that includes domestic human rights advocacy, international criminal justice, and senior posts within the United Nations. Her award also draws renewed attention to the role of international law and legal institutions in addressing human rights violations and promoting peace.
