The Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize to South African jurist Navanethem “Navi” Pillay on October 9. The announcement in Oslo recognized her efforts to promote peace and international law, including accountability for grave human rights violations.

Pillay’s career has taken her from defending political prisoners under apartheid to serving in international courts and the United Nations. The award recognizes her commitment to universal legal principles and strengthening institutions that address international crimes.

From apartheid-era defense work to international courts

Born in Durban, South Africa, in 1941, Pillay grew up under apartheid, the system of racial segregation. She became a lawyer and defended political prisoners and figures who opposed apartheid, including Nelson Mandela.

She later served as a judge at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, which handled cases arising from the 1994 genocide. She also served at the International Criminal Court, or ICC, from 2003 to 2008.

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From 2008 to 2014, Pillay was the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. Her work included efforts to strengthen human rights protection and accountability for violations of international law.

Gaza inquiry drew Israeli rejection

Pillay also chaired the UN commission investigating the occupied Palestinian territory and Israel. In 2025, the commission concluded that Israel had committed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.

The commission said there was intent to destroy Palestinians in Gaza, in whole or in part, as a group. Israel rejected that investigative finding.

The commission separately reported on war crimes and violations of international humanitarian law by Hamas during its October 7, 2023 attack.

Pillay urges countries to defend international justice

Speaking to The Associated Press on October 12, Pillay said she had read the written notification herself before believing she had won. She said the recognition mattered not only to her, but also to colleagues working in international justice.

Pillay called on countries to defend the ICC and the wider international legal order. She said she wanted collective action rather than words alone.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced new sanctions against the ICC hours after the prize announcement, AP reported. The court has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Israel rejects those accusations.