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Posted On: October 12th 2026, 01:16 pm
The International Institute of Social Studies (ISS) extends its warmest congratulations to Navi Pillay on being awarded the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize!
From challenging apartheid in South Africa to shaping international justice on the world stage, Pillay has dedicated her career to defending human rights and advancing the rule of law.
Her journey began in Durban, South Africa, where she established her own law firm in 1967 and defended anti-apartheid activists. She later served as a judge and President of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, helping establish landmark legal precedents on sexual violence as a crime under international law.
Her commitment to justice continued through her work at the International Criminal Court, as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and as a judge at the International Court of Justice.
In 2016, Erasmus University Rotterdam awarded Pillay an honorary doctorate, presented by honorary promotors ISS Professor Karin Arts and Professor Kristin Henrard, in recognition of her contributions to human rights and international justice. During her visit, she also shared her knowledge and experience with Erasmus University and ISS students in a masterclass on human rights and law.
Throughout her remarkable career, Pillay has demonstrated the courage and integrity required to uphold international justice, even in the face of adversity.
Photos: Michelle Muus, R. Keus
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#NobelPeacePrize
From challenging apartheid in South Africa to shaping international justice on the world stage, Pillay has dedicated her career to defending human rights and advancing the rule of law.
Her journey began in Durban, South Africa, where she established her own law firm in 1967 and defended anti-apartheid activists. She later served as a judge and President of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, helping establish landmark legal precedents on sexual violence as a crime under international law.
Her commitment to justice continued through her work at the International Criminal Court, as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and as a judge at the International Court of Justice.
In 2016, Erasmus University Rotterdam awarded Pillay an honorary doctorate, presented by honorary promotors ISS Professor Karin Arts and Professor Kristin Henrard, in recognition of her contributions to human rights and international justice. During her visit, she also shared her knowledge and experience with Erasmus University and ISS students in a masterclass on human rights and law.
Throughout her remarkable career, Pillay has demonstrated the courage and integrity required to uphold international justice, even in the face of adversity.
Photos: Michelle Muus, R. Keus
__
#NobelPeacePrize
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