Navi Pillay Wins 2026 Nobel Peace Prize for Work on International Justice

The 2026 Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to South African jurist Navanethem “Navi” Pillay for her work promoting peace and international law.

The Norwegian Nobel Committee announced the award today, highlighting Pillay’s role in advancing accountability for war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide.

The 85-year-old former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has spent decades working to strengthen international justice.

Pillay made history in 1967 as the first woman to establish a law practice in South Africa’s then Natal province.

She also defended Nelson Mandela and other anti-apartheid activists and became the first woman of colour to serve on South Africa’s High Court.