THE AFRICAN COURIER. Reporting Africa and its Diaspora! The African Courier is an international magazine published in Germany to report on Africa and the Diaspora African experience. The first issue of the bimonthly magazine appeared on the newsstands on 15 February 1998. The African Courier is a communication forum for European-African political, economic and cultural exchanges, and a voice for Africa in Europe.
Dr Pierrette Herzberger-Fofana, a former Member of the European Parliament, pays tribute to Navi Pillay, celebrating her lifelong commitment to human rights, international justice and the fight against impunity. Drawing on Pillay’s ties to Germany’s Franconia region and Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Herzberger-Fofana reflects on the South African jurist’s courage in defending victims of war crimes, crimes against humanity and sexual violence, and her enduring contribution to the pursuit of justice and lasting peace.
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By Dr Pierrette Herzberger-Fofana
Navanethem ‘Navi’ Pillay, this eminent lawyer and human rights advocate, is no stranger to our region, Franconia (Germany). In 2017, she was a guest at our university, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), and thus maintains close ties with our Alma mater.
We are delighted that the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to Navi Pillay, who was in Nuremberg, on October 9th 2026, in our region, when the announcement was made. At the time, she was attending a specialist conference on international criminal law, to which she had been invited as a speaker.
For decades, this South African jurist has embodied courage and integrity in the service of human rights.
Her commitment reflects her profound conviction that those responsible for war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide must be held accountable.
Navi Pillay gives a voice to victims and vulnerable people. In her pursuit of truth and justice, she has steadfastly defended the rights of oppressed people in several regions of the world, particularly women subjected to sexual violence.
She has helped establish that rape and sexual violence during armed conflict can constitute war crimes, crimes against humanity and, under certain conditions, acts of genocide.
Navi Pillay remains a source of inspiration and deserves our profound respect. Her fight against impunity and for victims’ rights reminds us that international justice is essential to lasting peace. We extend our warmest congratulations to her.
