Henri La Fontaine

Henri La Fontaine, a Belgian international lawyer and president of the International Peace Bureau, won the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1913 for his leadership in the European peace movement. A pioneer for women’s rights, he co-founded the Belgian League for the Rights of Women in 1890. La Fontaine’s influence extended to the founding of The Hague Peace Conferences and advocating for an international court post-World War I. He spearheaded efforts for global pacifist unity and founded organizations like the Centre Intellectuel Mondial and the Union of International Associations.

La Fontaine’s legacy also includes his contributions to international law and his role as a freemason. His works include legal handbooks and a history of international arbitration, reflecting his dedication to fostering peace and cooperation worldwide.