Gratulationen an Pillay: Friedensnobelpreis: UN sehen Signal für Menschenrechte

The United Nations has hailed the award of the Nobel Peace Prize to South African lawyer Navanethem Pillay as a strong signal in the fight for human rights. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, stated that the award was particularly significant "in a time when human rights are under attack on so many fronts - even from those who wield enormous power."

Türk thanked Pillay, his former predecessor, on behalf of the UN Office of Human Rights, saying that she remains an inspiration for them and millions of others. "You will carry the victory," said the Austrian UN diplomat. International Criminal Court President Tomoko Akane said the prize was "an important recognition of the crucial role that international justice plays as a cornerstone of lasting peace."

Particularly in today's time, when institutions of international law are under great pressure, this award is of special significance. Pillay served as a judge at the Hague Court from 2003 to 2008. The United States, in particular, put pressure on the court and imposed sanctions on judges and prosecutors. After her time at the World Court, Pillay served as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights from 2008 to 2014.

From 2021 to 2025, she led the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territories. South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa also praised Pillay's work for peace, human dignity, and justice. He said she served humanity with principles and faith that the world can and should be a better place.

Pillay is the fifth South African to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, following Albert Luthuli, Desmond Tutu, Nelson Mandela, and Frederik Willem de Klerk.