Her work on human rights and international law is a testament to her longstanding commitment to equality and dignity for all in South Africa and internationally with a distinguished career as a South African Jurist and the first black female judge in the High Court of South Africa and a former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights who also served as a former judge of the International Criminal Court and President of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda.

The Commission has had the privilege of working closely with Judge Pillay on a number of human rights initiatives and extends its appreciation to her of her steadfast support and contribution to justice and the rule of law. In congratulating Judge Pillay on this significant achievement, it acknowledges that she is justly deserving of the Noble Peace Prize.

This award is testimony of her continued activism and dedication to human rights especially on the struggles against the rights of women across the world. Her work and dedication remain exemplary and should inspire future generations that the world is built on dignity, equality and peace.

ENDS

Issued by the South African Human Rights Commission