Stockholm: Indian-origin South African jurist Navanethem “Navi” Pillay has been awarded the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of her contributions to human rights, international law and efforts to promote peaceful resolution of conflicts.
Pillay, 85, is a prominent legal figure who served as the United Nations (UN) High Commissioner for Human Rights from 2008 to 2014 and headed the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda. She was also the first non-white woman to be appointed a judge of South Africa’s High Court.
Announcing the award, Norwegian Nobel Committee Chair Jorgen Watne Frydnes said Pillay had “significantly enlarged the scope and impact of international law” and helped advance a more comprehensive global legal order.
He praised her career, which began with her challenging racial discrimination under South Africa’s apartheid regime, describing her work as a source of hope and inspiration for those seeking a more peaceful world.
According to the committee, the award also underscores the importance of international law at a time when armed conflicts are increasing and judicial institutions face political pressure.
In its announcement, the committee said the peaceful resolution of conflicts depends on respect for the international rule of law. It added that holding war criminals accountable and ensuring justice for victims of abuse were essential conditions for achieving lasting peace.
Pillay was born in 1941 in a disadvantaged neighbourhood of Durban, in South Africa’s Natal Province, to Narrainsamy Naidoo, a bus driver, and Santhama Naidoo. Her grandparents had migrated from India as indentured labourers to work on sugar plantations in South Africa during the 1890s.
Growing up during apartheid, Pillay pursued a legal career despite racial and gender discrimination. In 1967, she became the first woman to establish a law practice in Natal Province and was also the first non-white woman to establish her own legal practice in South Africa.
She was elected by the UN General Assembly as a judge of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda. She served on the tribunal for eight years, including four years as its president.
Pillay subsequently led the UN human rights office for six years. She also chaired the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory and has served as a judge at the International Court of Justice in proceedings concerning allegations of genocide against Myanmar.
The 2026 award marks the 125th anniversary of the Nobel Peace Prize. The Norwegian Nobel Committee received 287 nominations for this year’s honour, including nominations for individuals and organisations.
Last year, Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado received the Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts to promote democratic transition in Venezuela.
