Oslo, Oct 9 – South African jurist Navanethem “Navi” Pillay, an Indian‑origin former United Nations human rights chief, was awarded the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize for her work advancing international law and promoting peace. The 85‑year‑old jurist, who grew up under apartheid, dedicated the award to survivors of international crimes and to those defending international justice, urging that compassion and courage keep impunity at bay.
Pillay was born in Durban on 23 September 1941 to Tamil parents. She earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Natal in 1963 and a law degree in 1965, later completing postgraduate studies at Harvard, including a doctorate in juridical science in 1988. In 1967 she became the first woman of colour to establish a law practice in South Africa’s Natal Province, defending anti‑apartheid activists and exposing state torture.
Her career spanned roles in South Africa’s judiciary and international institutions. She served as a judge on the High Court in 1995, the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda from 1995 to 2003 (president 1999‑2003), the International Criminal Court (2003‑2008), and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (2008‑2014). She chaired the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, whose 2025 report accused Israeli forces of genocide in Gaza.
The Norwegian Nobel Committee highlighted Pillay’s “exceptional courage and integrity” and her role in ensuring war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide are prosecuted. It praised her contributions to legal developments on sexual violence and her efforts to hold states and leaders accountable, stating that peace requires justice.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen both congratulated Pillay, noting her lifelong commitment to justice, human dignity and the belief that the world can become a better place. The award marks the 125th anniversary of the Nobel Peace Prize.
