GENEVA (AFP) - The award of the Nobel Peace Prize to Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo was hailed Friday as recognition of "a very prominent human rights defender" by the UN's top rights offical.

"Liu Xiaobo is of course a very prominent human rights defender. We welcome this recognition of the very important role human rights defenders play in China and in many other countries, as well as the challenges they face," said Navi Pillay, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

"Also the courage they so often show in speaking up for what they believe in. Advocates like Liu Xiaobo can make an important contribution to China's development," she said.