Navanethem Pillay, 85, has won the Nobel Peace Prize and called it the greatest honour of her life.
The South African judge served at the International Criminal Court in The Hague from 2003 to 2008 and now sits at the International Court of Justice, which is based in the Peace Palace.
Mayor Jan van Zanen said Pillay helped shape international law in The Hague and described the award as recognition for everyone around the world working for peace and justice.
Officials welcome the award
Foreign Minister Berendsen welcomed Pillay as a worthy winner, while Minister Van Weel said the recognition she has received could also reflect well on the rest of the International Criminal Court.
Tomoko Akane, the Japanese judge who currently presides over the court, said the award carried particular significance at a time when the international legal order and the rule of law face far-reaching challenges.
She added that it was an important acknowledgement of the vital role international justice plays as a cornerstone of lasting peace.
Van Zanen called last month for international law to be defended and said the court was under growing pressure from heavy American sanctions.
News also emerged on Friday 9 October that the United States had announced fresh sanctions against the court.
