- Former UN human rights chief and judge on the International Court of Justice Navanethem “Navi” Pillay has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in Norway.
- Born in South Africa, the 85-year-old was recognised for her efforts to promote peace and international law, Jørgen Watne Frydnes, chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, said.
- The committee wrote in a news release: “At a time when the number of wars and conflicts is rising, and when judges and institutions of international law are under political attack, the Nobel Committee wishes to issue a reminder that the ability to resolve conflicts without force or violence is dependent on the international rule of law.”
- Ms Pillay served as the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights from 2008-2014, and was also a Judge for the International Criminal Court.
- The Norwegian Nobel Committee received nominations for 287 candidates for this year’s prize, with just over a quarter of them organisations.
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