Oslo: South African human rights lawyer and former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Navanethem “Navi” Pillay has been awarded the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts to promote peace and international law.
The Norwegian Nobel Committee announced the award on Friday, recognising her longstanding contributions to international justice and accountability for war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide.
She was born on September 23, 1941, in Durban, South Africa, to parents of Indian Tamil origin, Pillay grew up under the apartheid regime. Her grandfather had migrated from India to work on a sugar plantation. Despite facing racial discrimination and financial hardships, she pursued a career in law and became a prominent advocate for human rights.
In 1967, Pillay established her own law firm in Natal, becoming the first woman to do so in the province. She also defended anti-apartheid activists, including Nelson Mandela. In 1995, she became the first Black woman appointed as a judge of South Africa’s High Court.
Pillay later served as president of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda from 1999 to 2003 and as a judge at the International Criminal Court. From 2008 to 2014, she held the position of United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.
The Nobel Committee highlighted her role in strengthening the international legal system and advancing accountability for serious international crimes. Her selection also underscores the importance of international law in resolving conflicts and protecting human rights.
The award is a significant recognition of Pillay’s decades-long contribution to human rights and international justice.
