Nobel Peace Prize laureate Navanethem “Navi” Pillay has visited the International Criminal Court in The Hague, the Netherlands, where she commended the dedication of its practitioners and paid tribute to the court’s work.
According to a press release published by the ICC on Monday, October 12, 2026, Pillay met with court officials and staff members during the visit.
The former ICC judge praised the court’s work amid what the institution described as challenging times, noting that their “compassion and courage continue to ensure that impunity will not be allowed to reign.”
Pillay was awarded the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize on October 9 for her efforts to promote peace and international law, the ICC said.
ICC President Tomoko Akane congratulated Pillay on the award, describing it as recognition of the importance of international justice.
“this is an important recognition of the vital role that international justice plays as a cornerstone of lasting peace,” Akane said.
Pillay served as a judge of the International Criminal Court from 2003 to August 2008. She also served as President and Judge of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda.
The visit brought the Nobel laureate back to the court where she previously served, as she met with officials and staff and acknowledged their work in advancing international justice.
Pillay was awarded the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize on Friday, October 9, for her efforts to promote peace and international law, particularly in ensuring that war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide are prosecuted, PUNCH Online reported. https://punchng.com/south-african-judge-navi-pillay-wins-2026-nobel-peace-prize/
The Norwegian Nobel Committee said her career demonstrated the importance of international legal institutions in holding perpetrators of serious crimes accountable.
According to PUNCH Online, Pillay’s career has spanned several key international judicial and human rights roles.
She served as a judge and president of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, a judge of the International Criminal Court and the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights from 2008 to 2014.
The Nobel Committee also highlighted her contribution to legal developments recognising that rape and sexual violence could constitute crimes against humanity and genocide.a
Tosin Oyediran is a journalist with Punch Newspapers, bringing over eight years of newsroom experience to his coverage of politics, health, advocacy, sports, and entertainment. Known for sharp interviews and human-centered reporting, his work focuses on public accountability, civic issues, and the stories shaping everyday lives.