South African jurist and former UN human rights chief Navi Pillay received the Nobel Peace Prize for efforts to promote peace and international law, including her role on a commission examining the Gaza conflict.
The Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded the 2026 Peace Prize to Navi Pillay, the 85-year-old South African former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and current International Court of Justice judge. The citation recognized her efforts to promote peace and international law.
Pillay learned of the award while in Nuremberg, Germany, at the Palace of Justice. She initially responded that it must be a joke and later dedicated the prize to survivors of international crimes.
The committee highlighted her work defending anti-apartheid activists, serving on international tribunals, and chairing a UN commission that examined allegations related to Gaza. Israel’s government condemned the decision.
The award comes amid discussions of pressure on international legal institutions. The prize will be presented in Oslo on December 10.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa described it as a tribute to her courage and commitment to justice.
People Sentiments Positive
- Pillay said she would dedicate the award to survivors of international crimes.
- The Nobel Committee chair noted international law is under pressure.
- Israeli officials criticized the committee’s decision.