Al-Qalam 
Saydoon Nisa Sayed with Judge Navi Pillay at the recent Advice Desk event in Durban
Millions of Palestine activists worldwide are rejoicing that Judge Navi Pillay has won the Nobel Peace Prize, reports Ismail Suder
When retired ICC Judge Navi Pillay was a guest of honour to mark the 40th anniversary of the Advice Desk in Durban, little did she know that she was going to be catapulted to become a bigger icon of the Palestinian struggle – by winning the Nobel Peace Prize.
Judge Pillay was on a solidarity visit to The Hague when she received a surprise call to say she had won the Nobel Peace Prize. This news sent the US President into a ranting rage because he wanted it so badly, but was overlooked by the Nobel Committee in Norway.
Navi Pillay, as the chair of the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, has stated that Israeli authorities are responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity, including the crime against humanity of extermination, amid the conflict in Gaza.
Meanwhile, Saydoon Nisa Sayed, a leader of the South African Palestine Movement in Durban (SAPM), paid tribute to her close friend and comrade.
She said: “We have met with her Navi, worked with her, engaged with her and shared spaces in the pursuit of justice.
“Judge Navanethem “Navi” Pillay is not a distant figure in the struggle for human rights and justice. We have witnessed, first-hand, her unwavering commitment to human dignity, international law and accountability. Her journey – from standing against apartheid to becoming one of the world’s most respected voices on human rights and international justice has inspired generations.
“Her work and findings concerning Palestine and Gaza have further demonstrated the importance of speaking truth to power, documenting violations and insisting that international law cannot be selective.
“For those of us who have worked with Judge Pillay, this moment carries a deeply personal meaning. We know the person behind the title: a South African woman whose life’s work has been rooted in courage, principle and an uncompromising commitment to justice.
“Her winning this recognition is therefore also a reminder of our own responsibility. It tells us that the work we do – organising, mobilising, documenting, educating, marching, picketing, standing in solidarity and demanding accountability – matters.
“As SAPM, we are proud of the connections and shared work we have had with Judge Navi Pillay. We honour not only her achievements, but the values that have brought us together: justice, equality, human rights, dignity and freedom.
“Judge Navi Pillay, we salute you. From the streets of South Africa to the halls of international justice, your journey reminds us that courage can change history and that the pursuit of justice must never stop. From those of us who have walked alongside you: thank you for showing the world what principled leadership looks like.
