Peace Prize highlights international law in troubled times
Awarding the Nobel Peace Prize to human rights lawyer Navanethem “Navi” Pillay could strengthen international law and the institutions working to hold perpetrators accountable. That is the hope of Kamal Makili-Aliyev, Associate Professor of International Law at the University of Gothenburg. Mikael Baaz, Professor of International Law, highlights the significance of this year’s laureate being recognised for what she has already accomplished – rather than for what she is expected to achieve.
Navi Pillay has served as a judge and president of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR), a judge at the International Criminal Court (ICC), and the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. She has also chaired the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
“Navi Pillay has made crucial contributions to human rights and international law over several decades. Her work demonstrates that justice is not only about responding to violations, but also about upholding the norms designed to prevent them,” says Kamal Makili-Aliyev.
International law under pressure
The prize comes at a time when both the rules-based international order and multilateralism are under severe pressure, says Kamal Makili-Aliyev.
“International law operates in a system where states have very different levels of power, and where strategic interests often outweigh legal obligations. International courts also lack their own enforcement mechanisms and depend on states to cooperate.”
The system is weakened when states question the legitimacy of international courts, refuse to comply with their decisions or impose sanctions on judicial institutions. But that does not make international law any less important.
“It establishes norms, documents violations and lays the groundwork for future accountability,” says Kamal Makili-Aliyev.
Support for international courts
Mikael Baaz particularly highlights what the prize could mean for international criminal law.
“I believe the prize could provide significant support for international criminal law, particularly the work and independence of the International Criminal Court (ICC). In today’s global situation, the principle of individual criminal responsibility needs to be defended: political and military power must not lead to impunity.”
Kamal Makili-Aliyev also hopes that the prize can strengthen international law and draw attention to the link between peace and justice.
“It can remind states that peace is not simply the absence of war, but also requires justice, respect for human rights and effective international cooperation.”
“Symbolic recognition is not enough”
For the prize to have an impact beyond the symbolic, concrete action is needed, says Kamal Makili-Aliyev.
“If the prize is to have a real impact, it must be followed by political and financial support for international courts, respect for their independence, and consistent application of international law, regardless of who commits the violations or what political interests are at stake.”
At the same time, Mikael Baaz points out that a Nobel Peace Prize laureate does not have to be uncontroversial.
“You do not have to agree with every assessment she has made to recognise the significance of her work. In this case, the prize is being awarded to someone for what she has actually accomplished, rather than for what we hope she will achieve. I find it difficult to imagine a better choice.”
By: Linda Genborg and Erika Danielsson