The 71-year-old received the award on Friday in the parliament of the West German state of Hesse in Wiesbaden.
Del Ponte “did not shy away from any conflict in her efforts to help victims of serious human rights violations achieve justice”, according to the award organisers.
“She did not so much go after the small fry but those who were moving the machinery of evil,” said Angelika Nussberger, vice president of the European Court of Human Rights.
Del Ponte was chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) from 1999 to 2007, and served in the same role for the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) from 1999 to 2003.
Most recently, she was a UN special investigator on war crimes in Syria. However, she stepped down from the position last year out of frustration at UN inaction.
Del Ponte, known for her outspokenness, is also co-author of a bookExternal link about her experiences as an international war crimes prosecutor.
The Hessian Peace Prize, endowed with € 25,000 (CHF28,745), was established in 1993 by Albert Osswald, the former prime minister of the German state of Hesse. It is awarded annually to people who have rendered “outstanding services to international understanding and peace”.
Most Read Swiss Abroad
More
The Swiss Alps, a new Eldorado for real estate developers
Should Switzerland take measures to support its struggling industries?
Industrial policies are back in fashion, not only in the United States but also in the EU. Should Switzerland, where various industries are struggling, draw inspiration from such policies?
As a Swiss Abroad, how do you feel about the emergence of more conservative family policies in some US states?
In recent years several US states have adopted more conservative policies on family issues, abortion and education. As a Swiss citizen living there, how do you view this development?
International hot air balloon festival draws thousands despite bad weather
This content was published on
Despite a few rainy days and the cancellation of the anniversary celebrations, the 45th International Balloon Festival wrapped up under glorious sunshine.
Swiss company supplies Serbia with surveillance technology
This content was published on
A Swiss company has supplied the Serbian government with a geolocation and eavesdropping system, the SonntagsBlick reported on Sunday.
This content was published on
A committee of Switzerland’s House of Representatives has found the people’s initiative to limit fireworks too extreme, but has suggested a counter-proposal.
UN investigators report evidence of crimes in Syria and call for national dialogue
This content was published on
UN investigators in Geneva report ample evidence of crimes in Syria and urge the regime to follow through on its promise of a national dialogue.
Swiss Trade Union warns EU deal could threaten wages
This content was published on
The Swiss Trade Union Federation warns that the new bilateral agreement between Switzerland and the EU could threaten wage protection and public services.
Credit Suisse fines from Mozambique scandal to fund victims’ compensation
This content was published on
The fines imposed on Credit Suisse for the Mozambique scandal will be allocated to a fund for the victims, amounting to $105.5 million.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
UN Syrian commissioner Del Ponte to resign over lack of political will
This content was published on
Carla Del Ponte to quit UN Commission of Inquiry on Syria because a lack of political backing from the Security Council had made the job impossible.
Carla del Ponte discusses the arrest of Ratko Mladic
This content was published on
After the arrest in 2011 of former Bosnian Serb military chief Ratko Mladic, swissinfo.ch interviewed Swiss ICTY prosecutor Carla del Ponte.
This content was published on
In an interview with Swiss television, UN panel member Carla Del Ponte has called for President Bashar al-Assad to be brought to justice.
This content was published on
On International Women’s Day, we asked our readers which Swiss women – past or present – they find most inspiring. Here are the results.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.