This year, the Norwegian Nobel Committee has awarded the Nobel Peace Prize to Navanethem ‘Navi’ Pillay who, among other things, has previously served as United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.

‘In its announcement, the committee describes this year’s laureate as one of the most respected international jurists of our time. This is a highly relevant award at a time when the international legal order is under severe pressure. I hope that this award will help to strengthen efforts to preserve international law and protect human rights. Throughout her long career, Ms Pillay has been a clear voice for justice and peace, for example in connection with the situation in Palestine, the struggle against apartheid in South Africa and the post-genocide justice and reconciliation process in Rwanda,’ said Mr Støre.

The Norwegian Nobel Committee selects the Nobel Peace Prize laureates and gives grounds for its choice. The committee is independent of both the Storting (Norwegian parliament) and the Norwegian Government.