From time immemorial, rape has been regarded as spoils of war. Now it will be considered a war crime.
Meaning
Pillay, then a judge at the Rwanda tribunal, spoke after a landmark ruling that classified sexual violence as an act of genocide and a crime against humanity. It shows freedom from violence being won through law. You can apply it by backing victims' voices and refusing to treat harm as normal.
Source: Statement quoted by South African History Online
Best freedom Quotes with Meaning
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About the author
Navanethem Pillay is a South African jurist who served as a judge of the International Criminal Court and as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and who won the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize.
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