UN chief congratulates Navi Pillay on winning Nobel Peace Prize

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday congratulated South African judge and human rights champion Navi Pillay on winning the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of her work against war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Pillay, who headed the Rwanda genocide tribunal, also presided over a UN commission that accused Israel of genocide in Gaza.

In a statement, Guterres said, “For decades, she has been a champion of international law and human rights, and a steadfast, independent voice of justice amidst some of the most historic international legal cases of our time.

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“From her work in South Africa defending Nelson Mandela and others who stood up against the oppressive apartheid regime, to her role as an international judge and President of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda on cases relating to international crimes, including the genocide in Rwanda, to her tenure as United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, to chairing the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, she has shown that the force of law must prevail over the law of force and that defending human rights is the surest safeguard against injustice.”

He said, “In its citation, the Nobel Committee reminded the world that peace must be built on lasting principles, not the will of the powerful.”

The UN chief added, “Today’s prize is a tribute to all those working to uphold and defend international law, the rule of law and human rights, and secure peace, justice and human dignity.”