Published Oct 09, 2026 | 5:18 PM ⚊ Updated Oct 09, 2026 | 5:18 PM
Navanethem "Navi" Pillay.
Former United Nations (UN) human rights chief Navanethem “Navi” Pillay has won the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize. A judge on the International Court of Justice (ICJ), 85-year-old Pillay was recognised for her efforts to promote peace and international law, according to Jørgen Watne Frydnes, Chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee.
Pillay was born in Durban, South Africa, to parents of Indian origin. She went on to have a distinguished career, making several significant contributions to the development of international law.
In 1995, Pillay became part of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR), which dealt with the prosecution of those responsible for the 1994 Rwandan genocide. The tribunal made a landmark observation, recognising rape and sexual violence as acts of genocide when committed with the intent to destroy a protected group, in whole or in part.
According to NDTV, Pillay’s work on the tribunal contributed to the development of international jurisprudence on genocide, sexual violence and crimes against humanity.
Pillay was elected a judge of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in 2003 and appointed United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in 2008. She headed the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) until 2014.
The Nobel Committee described Pillay’s work as a “source of hope and inspiration to all those who seek to bring about a more peaceful world.”
“At a time when the number of wars and conflicts is rising, and when judges and institutions of international law are under political attack, the Nobel Committee wishes to issue a reminder that the ability to resolve conflicts without force or violence is dependent on the international rule of law,” the committee wrote in a news release.
“An international legal system in which war criminals are held to account and the victims of abuse see justice served is a precondition for a peaceful world,” it added.
(Edited by Fayisa CA)
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