Navi Pillay wins the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize

Navanethem “Navi” Pillay wins the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize.

The official citation: “for her efforts to promote peace and international law.”

Born under apartheid in Durban, South Africa, Pillay became a lawyer defending people who challenged it. She later served as a judge at the Rwanda tribunal and the International Criminal Court, and as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

The Nobel Committee credits her with strengthening international law and holding states and leaders accountable.

Image: Ill. Niklas Elmehed © Nobel Prize Outreach.