Judge Navanethem “Navi” Pillay, is the 2026 Nobel Peace Laureate.
The Norwegian Nobel Committee decided to award her for exceptional courage and integrity.
The Committee said she served as a judge on the High Court in South Africa, the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda and the International Criminal Court.
She was formerly the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and, until recently, chaired the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
She is also a judge on the International Court of Justice in the case where Myanmar stands accused of genocide.
“In historic international court cases, she has shown that legal measures can help prevent acts of war and violence. Navi Pillay has also contributed to strengthen the institutions of international law. Her independence, expertise and steadfastness have made her one of the most respected international jurists of our time” said the Committee in a statement on Friday.
Judge Pillay was born into a family of Indian Tamil origin under apartheid in Durban, South Africa.
She became a lawyer and legal pioneer, confronting deep structural discrimination, segregation and exclusion. She defended Nelson Mandela and others who stood up against apartheid.
Picture: UCT