Navi Pillay wins 2026 Nobel Peace Prize for her fight for justice

Navi Pillay wins 2026 Nobel Peace Prize for her fight for justice

Posted on 10/9/2026, 10:32 AM AST | Updated on 10/9/2026, 10:32 AM AST

OSLO — South African jurist Navi Pillay has won the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize for her contributions to human rights, international justice, and the prosecution of war crimes and genocide.

A former International Criminal Court (ICC) judge and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Pillay fought apartheid in South Africa and defended Nelson Mandela. She currently serves as a judge in the Rohingya genocide case against Myanmar.

The Nobel Committee praised her courage and integrity, emphasizing that international law is essential for global peace. The award also sends a message against growing political pressure on international justice institutions, including the ICC.