South African jurist and former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Navanethem “Navi” Pillay has been awarded the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize. The Norwegian Nobel Committee honoured her for her contribution to peace, international law and the defence of fundamental human rights.
Pillay has played an influential role in the development of international criminal justice and the global human-rights system. Her professional career has included work as a judge at the International Criminal Court, President of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
The award sends a powerful message at a time when wars, attacks on civilians and challenges to international institutions dominate the global agenda. By recognising Pillay’s work, the Nobel Committee has emphasised that lasting peace depends not only on political agreements, but also on accountability, justice and respect for international law.