South African President: Pillai Nobel Peace Prize is a tribute to courage

(Rome = Yonhap News) Correspondent Kyung-rak Min = South African President Cyril Ramaphosa congratulated Nabi Pillai (85), interim judge of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), on winning the Nobel Peace Prize.

According to AFP on the 9th (local time), President Ramaphosa congratulated Pillai on receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, saying, "It is a deep admiration for the senior lawyer's courage, integrity, and lifelong dedication to justice."

At the same time, he emphasized that this award brought pride to the people of South Africa, saying, “It highlighted the extensive influence South Africans have had on peace, justice, and human progress.” With Justice Pillai's award, the number of South African Nobel Peace Prize winners increases to five.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Pillai had fought "some of the darkest scenes in human history" and that "he is the defender of the persecuted and the marginalized."

Volker Turk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, also congratulated his award, saying, "It reaffirms that human rights, the rule of law, justice, and accountability are the foundation of everything, including peace, security, and prosperity."