The Norwegian Nobel Committee has announced the winner of the peace prize for 2026. The award went to South African lawyer and human rights defender Navanethem "Navi" Pillay.
The prize was awarded for her efforts to advance peace and international law. The committee announced this in Oslo on 9 October.
Pillay is a judge at the UN International Court of Justice in the case against Myanmar, which is examining accusations of genocide against the Rohingya. She previously served as a judge at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda and at the International Criminal Court.
From 2008 to 2014, Pillay held the post of UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. Until recently, she chaired the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry into events in the occupied Palestinian territory.
Last year the commission concluded that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza. Pillay spoke about this in a report: the commission found acts of genocide, including killings, causing serious harm and measures aimed at preventing births.
Her career began with defending Nelson Mandela and other fighters against apartheid in South Africa. Later she became the first non-white woman to open a legal practice in Natal Province.
As the committee notes, Pillay held states and leaders accountable, giving hope to victims of violence. In all her posts she emphasized the rule of law.
In 2025, the peace prize was awarded to Venezuelan opposition figure María Corina Machado. What lies behind the committee's choice this year?
The award ceremony will traditionally take place on 10 December in Oslo.
