South African jurist and human rights advocate Navanethem “Navi” Pillay has been awarded the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of her decades-long efforts to promote justice, uphold international law and hold perpetrators of genocide and war crimes accountable.
The Norwegian Nobel Committee announced the award on Friday, October 9, praising the 85-year-old legal expert for her judicial integrity, courage and commitment to protecting human rights.
Pillay becomes the fifth South African to receive the prestigious peace award.
Born in Durban, South Africa, in 1940 to parents of Tamil descent, Pillay built a distinguished legal career during and after the country's apartheid era, when racial segregation and discrimination were enforced by law.
After obtaining a law degree from the University of Natal, she became the first woman in Natal province to establish her own law firm. She used her legal expertise to defend anti-apartheid activists and campaign against racial discrimination.
In 1973, Pillay handled a case that helped secure fundamental rights, including access to legal representation, for political prisoners held on Robben Island, where former South African President Nelson Mandela was imprisoned.
She later became the first woman of colour to serve on South Africa's High Court, marking a significant milestone in the country's judicial history.
Pillay subsequently gained international recognition for her work as president of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, which prosecuted individuals responsible for crimes committed during the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
Her work at the tribunal contributed to significant developments in international criminal law, including the recognition of rape and sexual violence as crimes against humanity and acts that could constitute genocide under certain circumstances.
From 2008 to 2014, she served as the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, where she worked to strengthen international protections for vulnerable populations.
More recently, Pillay chaired the United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory. In 2025, the commission concluded that Israel had committed genocide in Gaza, a finding Israel has rejected.
Pillay is also a judge at the International Court of Justice, which is handling a case concerning allegations that Myanmar committed genocide against the Rohingya Muslim minority.
Explaining its decision, the Nobel Committee described Pillay as one of the leading defenders of international legal principles, noting her efforts to ensure that governments and political leaders are held accountable for serious violations of international law.
The committee also highlighted her contribution to establishing legal precedents for prosecuting incitement to genocide through propaganda.
The award comes at a time when international legal institutions face mounting political pressure and criticism.
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk welcomed the recognition, describing it as an affirmation of the importance of human rights, the rule of law, justice and accountability in achieving global peace and security.
International Criminal Court President Tomoko Akane also praised the award, saying it was particularly significant amid growing challenges to the international legal order.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa described the honour as a tribute to Pillay's courage, integrity and lifelong commitment to justice.
Meanwhile, peace researchers and human rights advocates said the decision underscored the importance of strong international institutions and individuals willing to defend justice despite political pressure.
Following confirmation of the award, Pillay said she would dedicate it to survivors of international crimes.
She added that the recognition strengthened her determination to defend the rule of law, independent courts and an international legal system based on established principles.
Pillay's Nobel Peace Prize highlights the role of legal accountability and human rights protection in addressing conflicts, preventing atrocities and advancing international peace.
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