OSLO, Norway – South African jurist Navanethem “Navi” Pillay has won the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts to promote peace and international law, with the Norwegian Nobel Committee recognising her contribution to prosecuting war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide.
The announcement was made on Friday, October 9, in Oslo, where the committee praised Pillay’s role in strengthening international legal institutions and holding states and political leaders accountable for violations.
Pillay, 85, is a former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and has served as a judge at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice.
The committee said her career demonstrated the importance of the rule of law at a time when international courts and legal institutions face growing political pressure.
“At a time of existential challenges – including more wars and conflicts than the world has seen in a long time – international law is no longer just a supplement to peace and security. It is an absolute necessity,” the committee said in its statement.
From Anti-Apartheid Lawyer To International Jurist
Born into a family of Indian Tamil origin in Durban, South Africa, Pillay began her legal career during the apartheid era, when racial discrimination restricted opportunities for Black South Africans.
In 1967, she became the first woman to establish a law practice in what was then Natal province. She represented anti-apartheid activists, including Nelson Mandela, and later became the first woman of colour to serve on South Africa’s High Court.
Her career subsequently took her into international justice, where she served on the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda and the International Criminal Court.
At the Rwanda tribunal, Pillay played a significant role in advancing the recognition that rape and sexual violence could constitute crimes against humanity and genocide. The tribunal’s jurisprudence helped establish important legal precedents on sexual violence during armed conflict.
From 2008 to 2014, she served as the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, overseeing the UN’s work on human rights protection and accountability.
Pillay’s Work On Gaza Draws International Attention
Pillay recently chaired the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, which concluded in 2025 that Israel had committed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.
The commission said its findings were based on its assessment of evidence relating to acts committed during the conflict. Israel has rejected accusations of genocide. The commission’s conclusions are distinct from a final judgment by a court.
Pillay also serves as an ad hoc judge at the International Court of Justice in proceedings concerning allegations that Myanmar committed genocide against the Rohingya.
The Nobel Committee cited her work in international tribunals as evidence of how legal mechanisms can help prevent violence, establish accountability and strengthen peaceful conflict resolution.
Reacting to the award, Pillay said she initially thought the news might be a joke and wanted to verify it.
“The last thing I did is the delivery of the report on Gaza, naming what’s happening there as genocide,” she said, reflecting on the timing of the recognition.
She also questioned why speaking about alleged atrocities should require courage, saying that one of the main reactions to her report had been to pay tribute to her for speaking out.
Nobel Committee Warns Of Pressure On International Law
Nobel Committee Chairman Jørgen Watne Frydnes said the international legal system was under tremendous pressure and its institutions were facing attacks.
He described judges as guardians of the boundary between order and chaos, arguing that the rule of law remains essential to resolving disputes without resorting to violence.
The award has also drawn support from human rights organisations and international legal institutions.
The UN human rights office welcomed the announcement, while UN human rights chief Volker Türk described the recognition as a collective victory for human rights, justice and accountability.
The International Criminal Court also praised the award as recognition of the role international justice plays in securing lasting peace. Amnesty International welcomed the decision, saying it came at a time when international law and justice were facing mounting pressure.
South African President Leads Congratulations
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa congratulated Pillay, praising her contribution to peace, justice and international law.
Ramaphosa said the award recognised her efforts to uphold human dignity and bring hope to people in South Africa and around the world.
He also placed her among South Africa’s distinguished Nobel Peace Prize laureates, including Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu and Albert Luthuli.
Pillay’s selection was also welcomed by researchers who said the award sent a message of support to international courts and judges facing political pressure.
Haakon Gjerløw, acting director of the Peace Research Institute Oslo, said recognising an individual rather than an institution could inspire people to contribute to peace through their own work and actions.
Trump Mentioned In Light-Hearted Exchange
Pillay also made a light-hearted reference to US President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly expressed his desire to win the Nobel Peace Prize.
In a video shared on social media by Amnesty International Secretary-General Agnès Callamard, Pillay joked that she might share her award with Trump if the applause continued.
“If you clap a little bit more, I may share this prize with Trump,” she said.
The Nobel Peace Prize comes with a monetary award of 12 million Swedish kronor. Pillay is expected to receive the medal and diploma at a ceremony in Oslo on December 10, the anniversary of Alfred Nobel’s death.
Her award places international justice and the protection of human rights at the centre of this year’s Nobel Peace Prize, highlighting the committee’s view that lasting peace depends on accountability and respect for international law.
