Navi Pillay, an 85-year-old former judge with the International Criminal Court (ICC), won the Nobel Peace Prize for her work in promoting peace and international law. The Nobel committee highlighted the importance of maintaining a structured international order, acknowledging that the current system of international law faces significant challenges and threats. The committee expressed concern over a shift towards power politics that undermines legal frameworks, stability, and trust.
Pillay, who previously chaired a UN inquiry that accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, has faced criticism from Israel, which called the Nobel committee’s decision disgraceful and labeled Pillay as a supporter of antisemitism. The Israeli ambassador accused her of seeking to undermine Israel’s existence and manipulating the realities of the situation for a political agenda.
Pillay received the news of her award while attending a legal conference in Nuremberg, Germany. In her speech, she referenced her recent report on the situation in Gaza and remarked humorously about possibly sharing the prize with Donald Trump. She dedicated the award to survivors of international crimes and called on global leaders to uphold human rights and refrain from war.
The Nobel committee emphasized that the rule of law is essential for maintaining peace and noted that international institutions are facing attacks, with many judges being sanctioned. Pillay’s recognition was welcomed by the ICC’s President, who stressed its significance amid deep challenges to international legal order. Trump has previously criticized the ICC and called for countries to leave it, showing resistance toward its actions against Israeli leaders.
Pillay was born in Durban, South Africa, into an Indian Tamil family. She became notable for being the first woman to start a law practice in Natal and later the first non-white woman to serve on South Africa’s High Court after apartheid. She is among the five South African recipients of the Nobel Peace Prize, which includes notable figures like Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu.
Her career has consistently focused on holding governments accountable and advocating for human rights. The Nobel committee recognized the connection between her early work against apartheid and her role in significant international legal cases. Pillay is currently serving as a judge at the International Court of Justice, dealing with a case concerning allegations of genocide against Myanmar.
The Nobel Peace Prize, worth about $1.2 million, will be awarded in Oslo on December 10, commemorating the anniversary of its founder Alfred Nobel’s death. This award marks the fifth Nobel given this week among various categories.
With information from Reuters
